!ZSSSSSSS^2S^ 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

LIBRARY 


THE  WILMER  COLLECTION 

OF  CIVIL  WAR  NOVELS 

PRESENTED  BY 

RICHARD  H.  WILMER,  JR. 


S^lLMtH  COLL£CllQW 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2010  witii  funding  from 

University  of  Nortii  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill 


http://www.archive.org/details/lostcolonyOOraym 


THE 


Lost  Colony. 


BY 


JAMES   F.   RAYMOND. 


The  "  Lost  Colony  "  is  the  strange  and  interesting  story  of  a  tropical  island  and  its 
inhabitants  whom  the  vicissitudes  of  life  have,  at  different  times,  brought  to  that  unex- 
pected quarter  of  the  globe.  At  the  same  time,  all  sorts  of  marvellous  adventures  on 
land  and  sea,  together  with  exciting  scenes  of  war  times,  are  mingled  in  the  lives  of  the 
principal  persons,  while  a  thread  of  romance  running  through  the  whole  gives  it  an 
added  charm.  Family  life  in  the  South  before  the  Civil  War,  with  all  its  characteristics 
faithfully  depicted,  forms  the  background  for  an  endless  varietj'  of  character  and  inci- 
dents. Whoever  starts  out  to  follow  the  fortunes  of  the  Baxter  family  and  the  people 
connected  therewith  will  not  be  satisfied  unless  he  accompanies  them  to  the  very  end. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

T.   B.   PETERSON    &    BROTHERS; 

306    CHESTNUT    STREET. 


Copyright,  1891,  James  F.  Raymond. 


CONTENTS. 


Chaptbe. 

Pagb. 

I. 

THE   MIDNIGHT   AFFRAY 

21 

II. 

OLD   MAN   CLOE 

23 

III. 

THE   HOME   OF   THOMAS   BAXTER.      .      .      . 

25 

IV. 

THE   PLANTATION    SCHOOLMASTER  .      .      . 

29 

V. 

LETTER   OF   PRESIDENT   LAPHAM   .     .      .      . 

43 

VI. 

DUKE   STEELE       

48 

VII. 

A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE 

55 

VIII. 

CONFERENCE   BETWEEN   THE  LAWYER  AND 

SPY 

71 

IX. 

THE  CONFERENCE     

74 

X. 

THE   GOVERNMENT    CLERK 

79 

XI. 

HERMAN  SENTENCED    TO   DEATH     .      .      . 

83 

XII. 

THE   prisoner's    ESCAPE 

94 

XIII. 

THE   PURSUIT 

100 

XIV. 

HERMAN'S   FURTHER    ADVENTURES    .      .      . 

104 

XV. 

FORTUNES  OF   DUKE   STEELE       .... 

106 

XVI. 

THE   SCENE   CHANGES 

111 

XVII. 

BUILDING   THE   CRUISER 

117 

XVIII. 

PREPARING   FOR   SEA 

123 

XIX. 

THE   WOUNDED   LIEUTENANT       .... 

129 

XX. 

JOURNEY   TO   THE   CAPITOL 

133 

XXI. 

ILLNESS   OF   LIEUTENANT   BLANCHARD     . 

140 

XXII 

EXPECTED   BATTLE       

146 

XXIIl 

THE   CONFEDERATE   SPY    

153 

854:484 


(19) 


20  CONTENTS. 

XXIV.   A   SINGULAR  CHARACTER 158 

XXV.  INTERVIEW    BETWEEN     NELLY     AND    HER 

FATHER 170 

XXVI.   BURNING   OF   THE   BAXTER   MANSION  .      .  175 

XXVII.   BATTLE   OF   FREDERICKSBURG       ....  179 

XXVIII.   THE  COMBAT 183 

XXIX.   THE  SEALED  DISPATCHES  AND  THEIR  FATE,  189 

XXX.   ON  THE  ISLAND 199 

XXXI.   THE   CAPTURED   MERCHANTMAN   ....  217 
XXXII.   ENGAGEMENT  OF   NELLY  TO  MR.  RICHARD- 
SON     222 

XXXIII.  CHANCELLORSVILLE 226 

XXXIV.  SEIZURE   OF   NELLY   BY   GUERILLAS     .      .  232 
XXXV.    BATTLE  WITH    THE    GUERILLAS       ....  236 

XXXVI.   GENERAL   GRANT'S    CAMPAIGN  ....  245 

XXXVII.   AFTER  SIX  DAYS 250 

XXXVIII.   CONSTRUCTION  OF   A    BOAT 256 

XXXIX.   FURTHER   INVENTIONS 266 

XL.   THE   EXPEDITION 276 

XLI.   THE  BLACK   EAGLE    MEETS   HER   FATE   .      .  280 

XLIL   EPHRAIM   STROUD 285 

XLIII.   THE   PRISONER,    GENERAL  STEELE     .      .      .  293 

XLIV.   LIEUTENANT   BLANCH ARD'S  FATE   .      .      .  305 

XLV.   THE   VOYAGE   OF   DISCOVERY 309 

XLVI.   IN   THE   PRESENCE    OF   THE   GOVERNOR   .  317 

XLVII.   THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL" 325 

XLVIII.   RETROSPECT 338 

XLIX.   REV.   JARED  SPARK's    NARRATIVE      .      .      .  341 

L.   THE   RESCUE 351 

LI.   ISLAND   EXPERIENCES    CONTINUED      .      .      .  358 

LII.   CONTINUATION   OF    THE   NARRATIVE  .      .  362 

LIII.   INVENTIONS   OF   THE   COLONISTS   ....  367 

LIV.   THE   NEW  LAWS    ENACTED 373 

LV.    GENERAL   DUKE   STEELE   AS   FOREIGN  MIN- 
ISTER      378 

LVI.   PREPARING   FOR   THE   VOYAGE      ....  382 

LVII.   CIVIL  WAR   INAUGURATED 392 

LVIII.   THE   FUTURE   WELFARE   OF   THE   COLONY,  399 

LIX.   TRIAL  OF  THE  BALLOONS 405 


THE  LOST  COLONY. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE   MIDNIGHT   AFFRAY. 


IT  was  not  the  darkest  of  nights,  yet  of  a  character  to 
warrant  the  perpetration  of  deeds  'twere  not  well  to 
expose  to  the  full  light  of  day. 

Heavy  leaden  clouds  hang  low  on  tbe  horizon,  mount- 
ing upward  in  fleecy  vapors,  partially  veiling  the  heavens. 
The  full  moon  riding  high  over  all,  now  and  again 
breaks  forth,  her  pale  beams  illumining  objects  below, 
casting  shadows  from  densely  leafed  bush  and  overhang- 
ing bough,  causing  all  things  to  take  on  a  weird,  grue- 
some aspect. 

Suddenly  from  out  the  gloom  fall  in  startling  tones 
upon  the  ear  sounds  of  combat. 

The  clash  of  arms,  as  blow  follows  blow,  resounds 
throughout  the  spacious  grounds,  from  the  midst  of 
which  rise  the  walls  of  a  stately  mansion.  From  its 
open  casements  emanate  strains  of  soul-stirring  melody  ; 
light  footfalls  of  chivalry  and  beauty  keeping  step  to 
march,  waltz  and  quadrille. 

A  cry,  as  of  one  in  mortal  agony,  a  fall,  a  voice  in 
piteous  accents  calls  for  help ;  then  all  is  still,  save  the 
tread  of  many  feet  hastening  down  the  gravelled  walk. 

Officers  in  full,  rich  Confederate  uniform,  enter  a  vine- 
(21) 


22  THE  MIDNIGHT  AFFRAY. 

clad  arbor.  Surprise,  horror,  and  indignation  are  de- 
picted ou  their  countenances,  upon  beholding  the  scene 
brought  to  view  by  a  light  in  the  hand  of  a  negro  serv- 
ant, who  affrighted,  exclaims  : 

"  Mars  Cyril  am  dun  fo'  now,  fo'  shua." 

A  stoutly  built,  handsome  figare  stands  erect,  visage 
calm,  yet  stern;  in  his  hand  a  naked  blade  from  which 
trickles,  falling  to  the  ground,  bright  drops  of  blood, 
while  outstretched  at  his  feet,  lies  a  form  in  the  prime 
of  youthful  manhood,  gasping,  seemingly  unconscious, 
the  life-blood  slowly  oozing  from  a  wound  in  the  side. 
Meanwhile  a  most  beautiful  maiden  whispers  in  the  ear 
of  the  victor : 

"Dake,  flee,  ere  it  be  too  late  I " 

At  this  moment,  the  tall  athletic  form  of  Eichard  Em- 
berly,  colonel  of  the  regiment,  appears  approaching  the 
scene;  when  taking  a  hasty  glance,  he  turns,  confronting 
the  young  officer — apparently  the  aggressor  in  the  en- 
counter whom  he  questions  in  a  threatening  manner : 

"  Lieutenant  Steele,  why  have  you  committed  this  rash 
act?  Is  it  not  enough  that  we  are  so  soon  to  enter  the 
arena  of  strife,  aye,  the  field  of  honorable  warfare,  that 
the  officers  of  my  regiment  cannot  stay  their  hand  until 
such  time  as  they  are  called  upon  to  shed  their  blood  in 
a  noble  and  worthy  cause  ?  " 

Colonel  Emberly  then  ordered  Corporal  Osgood  to 
take  Lieutenant  Steele  in  charge,  and  to  keep  him  se- 
curely guarded  until  such  time  as  he  might  have  a  hear- 
ing. 

"  When,"  said  the  colonel,  "  if  innocent,  he  will  at 
at  once  be  set  at  libertj^;  but  if  proven  guilty — as  now 
seems  to  be  the  case — of  slaying  in  cold  blood  a  brother 
officer  his  life — so  help  me  God  I — shall  most  certainly 
pay  the  forfeit." 

"  Colonel  Emberly,"  returned  the  accused  lieutenant,  "  I 
am  wholly  innocent  of  any  wrong  doing  in  this  affair,  for 
the  man  lying  at  my  feet,  not  only  insulted  this  lady, 
but  in  a  cowardly,  unprovoked  manner,  attacked  me.    I 


THE   MIDNIGHT   AFFRAY.  23 

defended   myself  with   the  result,    as    you    see,   before 
you." 

The  commanding  officer,  without  further  parley,  gave 
orders  that  the  wounded  lieutenant  be  conveyed  to  his 
home,  there  to  be  taken  in  charge  by  the  regimental 
surgeon,  requesting  also  that  every  effort  be  made  look- 
■ing  to  his  present  comfort,  and  ultimate  recovery;  then 
bidding  the  host  and  attendants  "Good-night,"  repaired 
to  his  quarters,  there  to  make  necessary  arrangements  for 
leaving  with  his  regiment  on  the  following  day  for  the 
seat  of  war  in  Northern  Virginia,  where  was  soon  to  be 
fought  on  the  plains  of  Manassas,  the  first  great  battle 
in  the  interests  of  secession. 


CHAPTER  II. 

OLD  MAM  CLOE. 

"I  ri  dar,  yo'  brak  rascal,  don'  yo'  slap  dat  picka- 
I  I  ninny  'gin.  Didn't  I  tol'  yar.  Nevah  do  dat 
no  mo'  yo'  young  imp  o'  Satan's.  Dar  now,  let  go  dat 
cat's  tail,  makin'  ob  him  yowl  like  er  hull  pack  o'  cata- 
mounts! Dar  yo'  go  'gin  a  stanuin'  on  yo'  head,  ez  tho* 
yo'  feet  ain't  big  nuff  to  hoi'  yar  up,  en  massy  knos  de 
good  Lawd  didn't  scrimp  de  pattern.  Now  git  rite  outen 
dat  mud  puddel,  yo'  clean  clos  all  spattered,  case  I  tol' 
yer,  yo'  don't  habe  yosel',  I  pull  yo'  years,  dar  now," 
giving  the  left  ear  of  the  j^oung  darkey  a  vigorous  twist. 
"  Don'  yo'  see  dem  pigs  in  de  cawn  ?  Ole  marse  be  a 
comin'  home  de  fuss  ting  yer  kno  an'  he'll  take  ebery 
bit  ob  de  brak  hide  off  yo'  back  ef  he  cotch  de  pigs  a 
eatin'  ob  his  cawn.  Run  now,  an  driv  em  out,  an  den 
go  to  de  barn  en  git  som  eggs,  fo'  Marse  Tom'll  be  mon- 
stous  hungry,  en  he'll  want  his  pom  an  doger  doins." 

Eph,  a   colored  lad  some  ten  years  of  age,  at  once 
started  for  the  pigs;  when  shortly  thereafter  they  were 


24  OLD   MAM   CLOE, 

safely  housed  in  the  sty,  then  wended  his  way  to  the 
poultry  house,  mumbling  the  while  :  "  01'  Mam  Cloe  don 
be  alwas  a  figetin'  dis  yer  darkey.  I'se  tell  Marse  Tom, 
en  he'll  fix  her,  for  ole  Massa'll  nevah  see  dis  yere  chile 
'bused,  dat  he  won't,  fo'  shua." 

Shortly  before  reaching  the  poultry  house,  he  hears  a 
tremendous  cackling  under  the  barn  ;  so  crawling  therein, 
meanwhile  slowly  making  his  vvay  along,  the  space 
being  narrow  and  confined,  his  eyes  soon  rested  on  a  hen 
sitting  quietly  on  her  nest. 

Still  pushing  on,  until  within  his  reach,  at  the  same 
time  wondering  the  hen  showed  so  little  signs  of 
fright,  he  grasps  her  by  the  tail  feathers,  pulling 
her  from  off  the  nest ;  still  at  a  loss  to  understand  why 
the  hen  does  not  seek  to  escape,  rather  sitting  com- 
placently by,  evidently  waiting  for  him  to  retire  that  she 
may  again  resume  her  accustomed  place. 

Epb  is  not  a  remarkably  bright  boy,  his  perceptive 
faculties  either  lacking  from  nature,  or  proper  cultiva- 
tion, else  he  would  at  once  have  recognized  the  fact,  that 
this  was  a  "  settin'  "  hen. 

However,  the  nest  being  full  of  eggs,  and  thinking — 
Columbus  like — he  had  made  a  grand  discovery,  also  that 
Mam  Cloe  would  be  delighted  when  bringing  her  so 
many  eggs,  warm  ones  too,  he  removed  them  from  the 
nest,  carefully  placing  them  in  his  dilapidated  straw  hat, 
backed  out  from  the  constrained  position,  and  then  started 
on  a  run  to  the  house. 

"Oh,  Mam  Cloe  I"  he  exclaims,  "  I'se  don' got  de 
biggest  lot  ob  eggs,  yo'  ebba  sot  yo'  eyes  on,  an'  all 
warn  an  shinin',  too." 

Yet  consequent  upon  the  excitement  attending  the 
"grand  discovery,"  coupled  with  the  haste  in  striving  to 
reach  "Ole  Mammy"  in  the  shortest  possible  space  of 
time,  his  foot  came  in  contact  with  the  projecting  root 
of  a  decayed  tree,  causing  several  of  his  precious  load  of 
eggs  to  take  a  flying  leap,  by  which  a  number  were 
broken,  when  to  his  consternation  a  half-grown  chicken 
appeared  from  each. 


OLD   MAM   CLOE.  25 

"Oh,  Mam  Cloe,"  was  Eph's  exclamation,  "ef  dem 
eggs  don'  hab  got  chickens  in  'em  !  " 

Then  he  edged  away  in  anticipation  of  a  black  claw 
again  reaching  out  "  fo'  his  year." 

"  Yo'  brak  nigga,"  shouted  the  enraged  Mam  Cloe, 
"  I'se  don'  good  min'  to  stuff  ebry  one  ob  dem  eggs  down 
yo'  throat,  chickens  an'  all.  Yo's  nuff  to  craze  enny 
sane  nigga,  yo'  is  !  Take  'em  rite  back  to  de  nest,  an' 
see  yo'  don'  brake  no  mo'  ob  dem,  an'  den  go  an'  fine 
som  wha'  no  don'  been  sot  on,  an'  be  quick  'bout  it, 
too." 

Eph,  who  seemed  quite  dazed  at  this  untoward  state 
of  affairs,  again  went  to  the  barn,  crawling  under  as  be- 
fore, finding  the  hen  sitting  on  her  nest,  presenting  a  dis- 
consolate appearance,  doubtless  wondering  what  had  be- 
come of  her  embryo  family.  Again  placing  the  eggs  in 
their  former  position,  he  beat  a  hasty  retreat,  going  in 
search  of  eggs,  "  wha'  don'  hain't  got  chickens  in  dem." 


CHAPTER  III. 

THE  HOME  OF  THOMAS  BAXTER.        ' 

THOMAS  BAXTER,  the  proprietor  of  the  extensive 
plantation  whereat  has  occurred  the  before  men- 
tioned scene,  also  the  owner  of  a  large  number  of  slaves, 
was  momentarily  expected,  having  been  absent  since  the 
early  morning ;  leaving  home  at  that  time  for  the  neigh- 
boring village  of  Oxford,  for  the  purpose  of  transacting 
business  pertaining  to  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace,  in 
which  capacity  he  had  officiated  for  a  number  of  years. 

Mr.  Baxter  was  a  man  of  large  means,  the  owner  of  a 
magnificent  estate  situated  on  the  south  bank  and  near 
to  the  mouth  of  the  Rappahannock  River,  overlooking 
the  Chesapeake  Bay,  the  broad  Atlantic  in  the  far  dis- 
tance.    This  estate,  embracing  within  its  limits  several 


26  OLD  MAM  CLOE. 

thousand  acres,  was  justly  considered  one  of  the  finest  in 
the  old  commonwealth.  Wooded  heights,  charming, 
picturesque,  highly  cultivated  valleys,  and  extensive 
forests,  together  formed  a  scene  of  rare  and  romantic 
beauty,  Streams  of  the  purest  water,  rising  and  flowing 
from  out  the  montainous  range  of  hills, — wherein  the  red 
fin  and  trout  were  wont  to  find  a  home, — wended  their 
way  with  many  twistinga  andcurvings  to  the  broad  river 
below. 

Thomas  Baxter  was  the  descendant  of  a  distinguished 
old  Virginia  family,  his  ancestors  having  been  among  the 
original  aristocratic  English  noblemen's  sons  emigrating 
from  their  ancestral  halls  in  the  early  days  of  American 
settlement. 

His  grandfather,  Ephraim  Baxter,  asoldier  of  the  Revo- 
lutionary army,  was  a  man,  who  warmlj'  espousing  the 
cause  of  the  then  struggling  colonies,  had  fought  his  way 
to  a  most  honorable  and  commanding  position  under  the 
lead  of  Washington  ;  retiring  to  his  estates  at  the  close 
of  a  long  and  arduous  warfare,  terminating  in  the  com- 
plete emancipation  of  the  colonies   from  British  rule. 

These  estates,  managed  with  rare  skill,  combined  with 
the  untiring  energy  of  his  ancestors,  had  formed  the  nu- 
cleus of  an  immense  fortune  which  was  left  to  Henry, 
the  lather  of  Thomas  Baxter,  who. afterward  bequeathed 
them  to  his  only  son  and  heir,  whom  we  now  find  the 
sole  and  independent  proprietor,  under  whose  intelligent 
supervision  and  judicious  management,  they  were  con- 
stantly increasing  in  value. 

Thomas  Baxter  was  at  this  time  a  man  some  sixty- 
five  years  of  age.  In  person  of  lofty  stature,  elegant 
figure,  sound  constitution,  having  during  his  whole  life 
scarcely  known  a  day's  illness,  he  seemed  destined  to  a 
long  life. 

His  wife  Helen,  to  whom  he  had  been  strongly  at- 
tached, had  been  dead  some  ten  years;  yet  such  was  his 
romantic  affection  for  her  memory,  that  he  could  never 
bring   his    mind   to   the   thought  of  wedding  another; 


THE  HOME  OF  THOMAS  BAXTER.         27 

rather  seeking  to  devote  the  remainder  of  his  life  to  the 
care  and  attention  of  his  two  children,  a  daughter  of 
eighteen  and  a  son  aged  twenty. 

Mr.  Baxter  was  a  highlj'-  educated  man,  of  unbounded 
generosity  and  the  highest  integrit3^  Thus  from  having 
been  a  kind  and  generous  husband,  we  now  find  him  an 
indulgent  father. 

He  was  at  this  time  a  member  of  the  Virginia  Legisla- 
ture, and  a  prominent  candidate  for  governor  of  the  State 
at  the  coming  election  which  was  not  far  distant ;  though 
it  might  well  be  said  he  cared  little  for  the  emoluments 
of  office,  rather  accepting  public  trust  as  a  means  where- 
by to  benefit  his  people  and  State. 

In  character  proud,  though  not  haughty,  firm,  but 
never  obstinate,  charitable  whenever  the  object  presented 
was  deemed  worthy  of  his  benefactions,  filling  every 
position  in  life,  whether  of  a  public  or  private  nature, 
with  honor  to  himself,  credit  and  dignity  to  the  State, 
he  was  ever  regarded  by  his  friends  and  neighbors  as  one 
to  whom  all  could  look  as  a  wise  counselor  and  safe 
guide  in  the  general  affairs  of  life. 

In  the  management  of  his  vast  estates,  he  was  careful 
and  prudent.  Naturally  of  a  kindly  disposition,  his  serv- 
ants were  regarded  as  members  of  his  family,  rather 
than  servitors,  whose  love  and  veneration  for  their  master 
was  something  phenomenal,  they  alwaj^s  calling  him 
"Massa  Tom,"  and  "  Massa  Tom"  was  to  them  the  per- 
sonification of  all  that  was  good,  great  and  kind. 

Among  so  many  colored  people  it  would  be  strange 
were  there  not  some  discordant  elements;  but  where  one 
was  inclined  to  disobedience,  should  punishment  follow, 
it  was  rather  as  a  means  of  discipline  than  in  anger. 

"  Old  Mam  Cloe,"  a  negress  some  sixty  years  of  age, 
born,  reared  and  having  always  lived  on  the  plantation,  had 
nursed  Thomas  Baxter's  tw^o  children,  to  whom  she  was 
naturally  warmly  attached,  and  by  whom  she  was  always 
called  "  Mammy."  Hence,  her  master  would  almost  rather 
have  parted  with   half  his  slaves  than  with  "  Old  Mam 


28         THE  HOME  OF  THOMAS  BAXTER. 

Cloe,"  who  was  really  tlie  head  of  the  household,  and 
whom  the  servants  were  taught  most  implicitly  to  obey. 
Thus  her  rule  with  the  negroes  was  absolute,  and  woe  to 
the  darkey  who  transgressed  or  went  contrary  to  her 
wishes  in  anything  pertaining  to,  or  coming  under  her 
control.  In  fact,  "  Mam  Cloe "  was  the  head  of  the 
negro  community. 

Mr.  Baxter,  though  not  one  who  would  be  called  a 
churchman,  in  the  strict  sense  of  the  word,  was  a  believer 
in  the  most  essential  points  of  theology ;  wherefore  he 
deemed  it  wise  that  his  people  should  have  the  advant- 
ages of  religious  teachings,  in  so  far  at  least  as  regarded 
their  every-day  welfare — compatible  with  their  station 
in  life  and  his  own  interest — though  these  as  a  rule 
were  held  subordinate  to  the  true  interests  and  spiritual 
welfare  of  his  subjects.  So  it  would  seem  most  natural 
— as  was  really  the  case — that  an  old  negro,  Hector,  who 
believed  most  implicitly  in  the  Bible,  should  officiate  at 
services  held  each  Sunday  in  a  littlechapel,  built  for  this 
purpose,  at  some  distance  from  the  plantation  mansion. 

The  slave  holding  policy  of  those  times  was  to  keep 
the  colored  people  in  a  state  of  dense  ignorance,  well 
knowing  that  an  educated  slave  would  naturally  possess 
a  desire  for  freedom ;  and  when  such  desire  became  a  set- 
tled conviction,  no  person  would  be  capable  of  restrain- 
ing him  from  its  exercise. 

The  policy  of  Thomas  Baxter  was  of  a  character 
directly  opposite.  Therefore  it  was  his  one  great  desire 
that  the  children  born  on  the  plantation  should  possess  at 
least  the  rudiments  of  a  common -school  education. 

To  this  end,  he  had  established  a  school  carried  on  in 
the  little  plantation  chapel,  to  which  not  only  the  chil- 
dren of  his  own,  but  also  those  of  the  neighboring  plan- 
tations should  have  free  access. 


THE   PLANTATION   SCHOOLMASTBB.  29 

CHAPTER  IV. 

THE  PLANTATION  SCHOOLMASTER, 

SOME  weeks  previous,  a  well-appearing  young  man, 
calling  himself  Cyrus  Jones,  had  presented  him- 
self at  the  Baxter  mansion.  Knocking  at  the  front  door, 
he  was  met  by  a  young  colored  girl,  who  upon  request, 
notified  the  proprietor  in  the  words : 

"  Massa  Tom,  dar  am  a  gemman  at  de  doah,  who  wants 
to  see  yo',  sah,  on  'ticular  business,  so  he  say,  sah." 

"  Very  well,  Sally.  Invite  the  gentleman  to  a  seat  in 
the  parlor,  where  I  will  presently  meet  him." 

Then  giving  his  white  locks  an  extra  touch,  smooth- 
ing his  shirt  front,  and  in  other  ways  making  himself 
presentable,  (for  Mr.  Baxter  was  uncommonly  particular 
in  regard  to  his  personal  appearance),  he  proceeded  to 
the  apartment  where  Cyrus  Jones  was  awaiting  him, 
who  at  once  introduced  himself  in  his  assumed  char- 
acter, the  object  of  which  we  shall  ere  long  under- 
stand. 

The  preliminaries  gone  through,  the  state  of  the 
weather,  prospect  of  the  growing  crops  and  the  like, 
the  stranger  proceeded  without  delay  or  hesitation  to 
state  the  nature  of  his  business,  at  the  same  time  remark- 
ing he  feared  he  was  trenching  on  the  gentleman's  time 
but,  upon  being  assured  to  the  contrary,  commenced  by 
saying: 

"  Sir,  having  left  my  old  home  in  the  State  of  Connec- 
ticut, a  State,  I  may  say,  in  which  I  was  born,  reared  and 
educated,  I  at  length  find  myself  within  the  borders  of 
Virginia,  the  "  Old  Dominion,"  spoken  of  in  history  as 
the  "Mother  of  Statesmen,"  as  also  the  original  home 
of  the  "Father  of  his  Country,"  the  immortal  George 
Washington." 


80  THE   PLANTATION   SCHOOLMASTIR. 

In  the  delivery  of  this  speech,  the  young  man  evi- 
dently understood  whom  he  was  addressing. 

"  As  a  profession,"  he  continued,  "  partly  from  love  of 
the  vocation,  yet  mainly  from  necessity,  I  have  chosen 
that  of  school-teacher — or  pedagogue,  as  we  say  down 
East — and  when  arriving  last  evening  at  the  neighbor- 
ing village  of  Oxford,  I  was  there  informed  you  were 
looking  for  a  teacher  to  take  charge  of  your  plantation 
school.  Am  I  correctly  informed?  Yes?  Well,  then, 
such  being  the  case,  I  take  the  liberty  of  applying  for 
the  situation,  stating  at  the  same  time,  though  poor  in 
this  world's  goods,  I  am  fairly  educated.  My  father,  at 
one  time  a  prosperous  manufacturer  on  the  Connecticut 
Kiver,  desiring  his  children  to  possess  at  least  a  good 
business  education,  thus  qualifying  them  for  the  more 
active  duties  of  life,  gave  us  all  the  necessary  advant- 
ages requisite  to  that  end.  Through  business  reverses 
my  father  was  bereft  of  his  fortune,  thus  throwing  his 
family  on  their  own  resources ;  which  so  preyed  on  his 
mind,  that  he  sank  under  the  blow,  departing  this  life, 
doubtless  for  a  better  one,  some  months  since. 

"  Now,  sir,  I  have  in  a  brief  way  told  you  the  story 
of  my  life,  and  will  only  further  add  that  as  to  my  wages, 
whatever  sum  you  may  see  fit  to  name  will  be  entirely 
satisfactory  to  myself;  as  while  desirous  of  securing  a 
home,  my  greatest  wish  is  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  pur- 
sue my  studies  in  the  leisure  hours  and  odd  moments 
compatible  with  my  school  duties." 

As  before  stated,  Mr.  Baxter  was  a  man  of  great  kind- 
ness of  heart,  coupled  with  a  desire  to  be  of  service  and 
usefulness  to  the  unfortunate,  deserving,  struggling  ones, 
who  were  desirous  of  bettering  or  otherwise  improving 
their  condition.  It  may  also  be  noted  that  he  was  of  an 
unsuspecting  disposition,  seldom  looking  beneath  the 
surface  in  his  intercourse  with  his  fellow-men,  judging 
the  character  of  others  by  his  own. 

At  once  won  by  the  seeming  frankness,  genteel  bear- 
ing and  cultured  language  of  the  young  man,  he  be- 
lieved it  unnecessary  to  inquire  further  as  to  his  antece- 


THE   PLANTATION  SCHOOLMASTER.  81 

dents,  rather  taking  for  granted  the  statements  made; 
though  could  he  have  fathomed  this  man's  heart,  wit- 
nessing the  shameful  deceit,  treachery  and  fraud  being 
practiced  upon  his  unsuspecting  nature,  he  would  sooner 
have  taken  a  wolf  into  his  fold  than  have  exposed  his 
flock  to  this  treacherous,  though  outwardly  seemingly 
honest,  character.  However,  without  hesitation  or 
further  thought,  Mr.  Baxter  replied  to  the  fair  but 
wholly  false  account  of  the  candidate  for  his  favor  as 
follows : 

"  My  young  friend,  it  is  my  usual  custom,  when  taking 
into  my  employ  those  of  whom  I  have  no  previous 
knowledge,  to  make  inquiries  as  to  their  personal  char- 
acter, habits,  and  general  fitness  for  the  position  sought, 
thus  assuring  myself  of  their  honesty  of  purpose,  moral 
worth  and  integrity'. " 

It  will  undoubtedly  have  been  noticed  that  both  Mr. 
Baxter  and  the  candidate  for  school  honors  were  exceed- 
ingly verbose  in  their  use  of  language,  the  one  perhaps 
from  habit,  the  other  for  effect. 

Continuing,  Mr.  Baxter  said: 

"  Still,  as  3^ou  have  with  so  much  candor  and  frank- 
ness stated  your  position,  coupled  with  an  evident  desire 
of  further  improving  your  mind  by  study,  thus  acquir- 
ing that  degree  of  learning  necessary  to  your  successful 
advancement  in  life,  using  all  laudable  means  to  that 
end,  I  will  deem  it  a  privilege  to  make  an  exception  in 
your  favor,  esteeming  it  an  honor  even  to  assist  you  as 
far  as  may  lie  within  my  power.  You  may  then  con- 
sider yourself  under  engagement  for  the  position,  which 
while  granting,  I  would  take  occasion  to  remark  that  it 
may  seem  strange,  perhaps  out  of  place,  that  I,  a  slave- 
holder, should  take  what  might  be  deemed  such  an  un- 
usual interest  in  my  colored  people,  as  to  afford  them  the 
opportunity  of  enjoying  the  blessings  of  an  education, 
limited  however  as  it  must  necessarily  be.  But  I  recog- 
nize my  servants  as  a  part  of  my  family,  and  believe 
that  while  generously  feeding  and  clothing  them,  my 
duty  is  only  in  part  fulfilled, 


S2  THE   PLANTATION    SCHOOLMASTER. 

"  Educated  in  a  New  England  institution,  there  pur- 
suing a  two  years'  course  of  study,  I  learned  many  les- 
sons which  have  had  an  important  bearing  upon  my 
subsequent  life.  I  beheld  free  institutions,  both  pub- 
lic and  private,  social  and  political,  free  thought,  free 
labor,  and  altogether  a  most  happy  and  prosperous 
people. 

"Later,  when  completing  my  education  in  foreign 
lands,  I  was  forcibly  impressed  by  the  attitude  taken  by 
the  wisest,  best,  most  thoughtful  and  well-informed  peo- 
ple of  those  lands  on  the  question  of  American  slave 
labor.  A  nation  whose  every  thought,  whose  noblest 
institutions,  both  public  and  private,  are  reared,  fostered 
and  upheld  in  the  name  of  freedom,  yet  whose  Constitu- 
tion guarantees  the  forced  enslavement  of  no  less  than 
one-sixth  of  its  people  !  The  institution  of  slavery  I  am 
thoroughly  convinced  has  ever  been  a  bar  detrimental  to 
the  material  interests  and  social  progress  of  the  Southern 
States,  and  why  this  relic  of  barbarism  should  be  further 
tolerated  in  this  ninteenth  century, — a  century  of  prog- 
ress and  enlightenment  in  every  other  direction — passes 
my  comprehension.  Yet  I  firmly  believe  its  extermina- 
tion from  the  otherwise  free  soil  of  the  North  American 
Continent  but  a  question  of  time,  and  that  not  far  dis- 
tant. 

"  My  friend,  in  thus  giving  free  rein  to  these  thoughts 
in  the  presence  of  a  man  hailing  from  a  New  England 
State,  who  undoubtedly  entertains  prejudices  incidental 
to  such  residence,  I  am  fully  aware  that  were  you  to 
take  advantage  of  this  confidence,  it  might  work  greatly 
to  my  disadvantage.  You  will  therefore  please  appre- 
ciate this  fact,  considering  what  I  have  said  during  this 
interview  as  confidential,  letting  it  go  no  further,  with 
the  mutual  understanding  that  I  shall  at  all  times  hold 
myself  in  readiness  to  respond  to  any  future  call  you 
may  see  fit  to  make  upon  me  tending  to  the  advance- 
ment of  your  cherised  desires. 

"  You  will  have  a  room  set  apart  for  your  exclusive 
use  at  the  house  of  my  overseer,  where  every  necessary 


THE  PLANTATION  SCHOOLMASTER.        33 

comfort  looking  to  your  happinee-s  will  be  provided.  As 
regards  the  school,  you  are  at  liberty  to  commence  oper- 
ations at  your  own  convenience.  A  servant  will  now 
show  you  to  your  room,  and  any  luggage  you  may  have 
at  the  village  will  be  brought  and  placed  in  your 
quarters." 

Assuring  his  generous  patron  the  hand  satchel  at  his 
side  comprised  his  entire  possessions  in  that  line,  a  negro 
was  summoned,  who  at  once  attended  him  to  his  new 
and  commodious  quarters  at  the  house  of  Stephen  Bryce, 
the  overseer. 

Reaching  the  room  assigned  him,  Cyrus  Jones  opened 
his  traveling  bag,  taking  therefrom  paper,  pen  and 
ink. 

Let  us  now  come  to  an  understanding  relative  to  the 
character  and  design  of  this  man,  thereby  arriving  at  a 
full  knowledge  as  to  who  he  is  and  why  he  should 
select  the  occupation  of  a  Virginia  plantation  school- 
teacher. 

As  we  have  seen,  he  had  given  satisfactory  reasons  for 
calling  upon  Mr.  Baxter,  as  also  for  taking  the  position 
sought ;  his  employer  placing  the  utmost  reliance  upon 
his  statement — a  most  unwise  thing  to  do  as  we  shall 
soon  learn,  for  the  reason  that  his  name  was  not  Cyrus 
Jones,  neither  was  he,  as  represented,  a  poor  man,  nor 
did  he  hail  from  the  State  of  Connecticut;  in  fact, 
he  had  never  approached  nearer  that  New  England 
commonwealth  than  where  he  stood  at  the  present 
time. 

In  order  to  more  fully  understand  the  position  of  the 
so-called  Cyrus  Jones,  it  will  be  necessary  to  call  atten- 
tion to  the  fact  that  the  leaders  in  the  Secession  move- 
ment had  been  for  a  considerable  period  of  time  prepar- 
ing for  the  promulgation  of  an  ordinance  to  that  end. 
Through  their  representatives  in  the  National  Congress, 
they  were  also  secretly  supplying  the  Southern  arsenals 
with  munitions  of  war,  strengthening  and  fully  garrison- 
ing the  forts,  and  meanwhile  the  naval  armament  was 
receiving  like  attention.  Vessels  of  war  were  being 
2 


84  THE    PLANTATION   SCHOOLMASTER 

rendezvoused  at  accessible  points  and  convenient  stations, 
and  all  tliis  was  being  done  under  guise  of  carrying  out 
instructions  from  tlie  General  Government. 

While  these  measures  were  being  inaugurated,  yet 
before  any  steps  were  taken  thereby  tending  to  place  their 
true  position  before  the  public — at  least  in  a  warlike 
attitude — the  directory  at  Montgomery,  originally  the 
seat  of  the  Confederate  Government,  had  concocted  a 
most  thorough  and  systematic  meihod  of  espionage,  now 
in  operation  not  only  throughout  the  border,  but  also 
many  of  the  States  further  north.  To  this  end,  spies, 
termed  by  the  movers  of  the  aflair  "  political  agents," 
were  sent  to  the  principal  towns  and  cities,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  acquiring  information  regarding  the  temper  of 
the  people  as  to  the  scheme  of  Secession.  These  agents, 
as  a  rule,  were  selected  from  among  the  more  wealthy 
and  influential  families  of  the  South,  whose  social 
standing  being  of  a  high  order,  would  naturally  tend  to 
place  them  in  positions  whereby  to  secure  the  desired 
information.  Thus,  as  in  the  case  of  Cyrus  Jones,  some 
obtained  situations  as  pedagogues,  others  professorships 
in  colleges,  while  many  entered  the  higher  institutions 
of  learning  as  students. 

Again,  as  many  of  the  wealthy  planters  of  Virginia 
were  suspected  of  entertaining  Abolition  sentiments, 
special  care  was  observed  in  securing  young  men  of 
talent,  education,  good  address,  shrewd  intellect,  men 
well  fitted  to  carry  out  with  the  less  suspicion  the  de- 
sires and  instructions  of  their  employers. 

Such  a  character  was  this  man  Cyrus  Jones.  Bold, 
unscrupulous,  intriguing,  the  son  of  a  wealthy  and  dis- 
tinguished lawyer  of  Montgomery,  he  was  eminently 
fitted  in  every  emergency  to  fulfill  the  duties  imposed 
upon  him.  Thoroughly  ingratiating  himself  into  the 
confidence  of  his  unsuspecting  victim,  at  the  same  time 
able  to  accomplish  so  much  at  the  outset,  his  real  char- 
acter wholl}'-  unsuspected,  he  immediately  dispatched  the 
following  communication  to  his  employers  at  Mont- 
gomery, 


the  plantation  schoolmaster.  85 

"  Baxter's,  Oxford,  Middlesex  Co.,  Va. 
"  To  the  Hon.  John  B.  WilUns : 

"  Dear  Sir  : — I  hasten  to  inform  you  of  the  fact  that 
I  have  secured  a  much  desired  situation  with  the  Hon. 
Thomas  Baxter,  a  gentleman  of  reputed  wealth,  immense 
influence,  and  the  owner  of  large  estates  in  this  vicinity. 

"  After  a  lengthy  and  confidential  interview,  I  have 
succeeded  in  obtaining  the  information  so  essential  to  the 
welfare  of  our  cause  in  this  section  of  the  State. 

"  I  find  the  gentleman  loud  and  outspoken  in  condem- 
nation of  slavery,  also  bold  in  the  utterance  of  Abolition 
sentiments,  though  he  is  the  owner  of  a  large  number  of 
slaves. 

"  Had  he  previously  been  made  aware  of  my  mission, 
he  would  have  hardly  dared  to  come  out  so  openly  in 
avowal  of  those  sentiments,  nor  made  me  his  confidant ; 
neither  can  I  yet  conceive  how  he  should  have  been  so 
readily  imposed  upon,  and  can  only  account  for  it  on 
the  ground  that  the  people  of  this  section  have  little 
idea  as  to  what  is  being  done  in  the  interests  of  Seces- 
sion by  the  Southern  leaders. 

'•Many  others  of  the  wealthy  owners.of  slaves,  and 
proprietors  of  the  more  extensive  plantations,  are  evi- 
dently becoming  restive  under  the  teachings  of  Northern 
fanatics,  and  in  a  number  of  instances  I  have  learned 
of  secret  correspondence  entered  into  and  carried  on  by 
them. 

"  It  goes  without  saying  that  these  people  must  be 
looked  after,  as  their  wealth  must  necessarily  be  of 
immense  service  to  the  Confederacy  when  the  proper 
time  arrives  for  its  confiscation. 

"  Keeping  you  well  informed  as  to  my  future  move- 
ments, as  also  the  success  attending  them,  I  shall  at  the 
same  time  endeavor  to  be  guided  by  the  instructions 
received  from  you,  which  I  trust  you  will  at  all  times 
feel  free  to  acquaint  me  with,  and  also  accord  to  me 
your  unqualified  confidence,  trusting  the  same  may  be 
ever  merited. 

"  Please    direct    any    communications    you  may  be 


88  THE   PLANTATION   SCHOOLMASTER. 

pleased  to  send  me  in  the  care  of  Jonathan  Sleeper,  one 
of  our  accredited  agents  now  located  at  Frederick, 
Maryland,  who  will  forward  the  same  to  me  under  the 
name  of  Cyrus  Jones. 

"  Kespectfully, 

"William  H.  Bannister." 

Immediately  upon  receiving  this  letter,  the  Hon.  John 
Ro  Wilkins  placed  it  in  the  hands  of  the  directory,  who 
at  once  entered  on  the  proscribed  list  the  name  of  the 
Hon.  Thomas  Baxter,  to  be  dealt  with  in  a  summary  man- 
ner when  the  proper  time  should  arrive.  Thus,  while 
regretting  the  disaffection  of  so  many  prominent  and 
influential  Southern  planters,  the  Confederacy  were  com- 
forted by  the  reflection  that  their  great  wealth  would  in 
large  measure  compensate  for  the  loss  of  their  personal 
influence  in  the  coming  struggle,  by  adding  enormously 
to  the  Confederate  exchequer. 

It  was  now  the  month  of  March,  1861.  The  general 
election  held  the  previous  November,  had  resulted  in 
tlie  ascendency  to  power  of  the  newly  organized  Repub- 
lican party,  and  the  election  of  Abraham  Lincoln  to  the 
high  office  of  President  of  the  United  States. 

The  Southern  leaders,  awaiting  with  much  anxiety 
the  outcome  of  the  general  election,  now  came  out  openly, 
at  once  organizing  a  new  Government;  its  chief  corner- 
stone, the  doctrine  of  State  Rights  ;  its  superstructure, 
the  perpetuation  of  slavery  in  the  older  States,  its  ex- 
tension in  the  new  and  at  present  unoccupied  Territories. 

Recurring  to  the  home  and  family  of  Thomas  Baxter, 
whom  we  left  waiting  his  return  from  the  neighboring 
village  of  Oxford,  where  he  had  been  spending  the  day 
engaged  in  legal  bnsiness ;  the  family  comprising  within 
its  happy  circle,  Herman,  the  son,  and  Nelly,  the  only 
daughter,  now  a  lady  of  eighteen  manifested  much  impa- 
tience thereat. 

Nelly  was  at  this  time  in  attendance  at  a  young  ladies' 
seminary  at  Richmond,  where  she  had  been  actively 
engaged  in  her  studies  for  the  past  two  years,  usually 


THE   PLANTATION   SCHOOLMASTER.  87 

spending  the  annual  summer  vacation  at  her  father's 
plantation  home.  The  young  maiden  was  now  looking 
hopefally  forward  to  the  time,  not  far  distant,  when  she 
would  graduate.  She  was  in  every  respect  a  fine  girl ; 
in  short,  a  noble  specimen  of  early  womanhood,  rarely 
seen.  In  person  she  was  somewhat  above  the  medium 
height ;  rather  stout  of  build ;  eyes  hazel ;  hair  a  rich 
chestnut ;  every  lineament  of  her  face  betokening  a 
warm  heart,  coupled  with  deep  thought. 

Nelly  was  not  a  sentimental  girl  in  the  usual  accepta- 
tion of  the  word,  rather  of  a  practical  turn ;  fond  of  fun, 
lively  company  her  delight;  and  while  at  all  times  ready 
to  appreciate  a  joke,  never  for  a  moment  in  doubt  or 
hesitation  as  to  an  apt  repartee.  Ever  cheerful  in  man- 
ner, hopeful,  of  buoyant  spirits,  this  in  connection  with 
sound  health,  self-reliance  and  modesty  of  demeanor 
combined  to  make  her  appearance  both  attractive  and 
pleasing. 

From  having  been  closely  confined  to  her  studies  and 
school  duties  since  her  fifteenth  year,  she  had  scarcely 
been  brought  into  contact  with  the  world,  or  what  are 
commonly  termed  worldly  pleasures.  Therefore,  it  will 
be  readily  seen  that  to  her  the  father  and  brother  were 
most  naturally  the  two  persons  of  all  others  around 
whom  centered  her  warmest  affections,  and  by  whom 
she  was  singularly  beloved,  Not  only  this,  but  her 
class  and  schoolmates  shared  most  truly  this  love,  more 
especially  the  younger  girls,  who  ever  found  in  her  a 
devoted  friend  in  their  trials,  and  a  warm  champion  of 
their  rights.  Thus  if  a  more  than  usually  hard  lesson 
was  to  be  mastered,  or  a  task  set  difficult  for  their  young 
minds  to  grasp,  Nelly  stood  ready  with  a  helping  hand. 

Her  teachers  were  also  fond  of  the  bright  winsome 
girl,  estimating  her  character  at  its  true  worth  ;  and  they, 
as  also  nearly  all  the  members  of  the  school,  were  at  this 
time  looking  forward  with  heavy  and  sorrowful  hearts 
to  the  inevitable  separation,  soon  to  take  place.  But 
with  all  the  attractions  of  this  lovely  girl,  combined 
with  unusual  kindness  of  heart  and  strong  desire  to  be 


38  THE   PLANTATION   SCHOOLMASTER. 

of  service  to  all  with  whom  she  was  brought  into  con- 
tact, she  had  one  bitter  enemy,  and  this  in  the  person  of 
a  classmate,  Carrie  Foster,  tiie  daughter  of  an  eminent 
judge  of  Montgomery.  The  two  girls,  while  of  nearly 
the  same  age,  were  of  an  entirely  different  though  per- 
haps equally  fine  appearance. 

While  the  long,  rich,  heavy  masses  of  wavy  chest- 
nut hair  of  the  one,  among  which  the  bright  sunlight 
striking,  intermingled  threads  of  gold,  the  other  was  jet 
black ;  and  while  the  eyes  of  Nelly  were  bright  hazel, 
Carrie's  were  deep  set  and  dark  as  night. 

Again,  the  judge's  daughter,  while  possessing  great 
beauty  both  of  form  and  feature,  in  disposition  was 
directly  the  opposite.  In  truth,  deep  unreasoning  jeal- 
ousy seemed  a  leading  trait  of  her  character.  Witnessing, 
as  she  often  must,  the  love  and  affection,  nearly  border- 
ing on  devotion,  so  generously  lavished  on  her  school 
and  classmate,  her  naturally  well-balanced  judgment 
was  quite  too  apt  to  become  overpowered  by  feelings  of 
jealousy.  Hence  she  was  inclined  to  make  use  of  every 
means  lying  within  her  power 'to  overcome  the  friendly 
understanding  existing  between  Nelly  and  her  school 
companions.  Yet  while  bringing  intrigue,  treachery  and 
deceit  to  bear,  she  was  quite  unable  to  accomplish  her 
evil  designs  ;  in  fact,  all  her  efforts  were  without  avail. 

A  time  was  coming,  however,  and  not  far  distant, 
when  an  opportunity  would  occur  placing  within  reach 
a  rare  means  of  gratifying  her  malignant  feelings. 

Cyrus  Jones,  the  plantation  school-teacher — the  wolf 
in  disguise — was  also  acting  a  part  in  the  drama,  tend- 
ing to  the  downfall  of  this  heretofore  happy  family. 
Not  only  this,  but  also  seeking  to  bring  the  gray  hairs 
of  his  generous  friend  and  benefactor,  Thomas  Baxter, 
in  "  sorrow  to  the  grave." 

During  the  short  time  that  he  had  been  an  honored 
member  of  the  family,  he  had  heard  much  in  praise  of 
Nelly.  In  fact,  Mr.  Baxter  had  often  taken  occasion  to 
speak  of  her  in  his  presence,  and  always  in  such  highly 
commendatory   terms,   that,  ever  on  tlie  alert,  he   had 


THE   PLAJJTATION   SCSOOLMASTEB.  39 

determined — in  his  own  mind  at  least — that  she  might  be 
used  to  much  advantage  in  the  treacherous  and  cowardly 
schemes  against  her  father.  Yet,  he  was  ill  prepared 
for  the  vision  of  loveliness  which  met  his  gaze,  when 
she  alighted  from  the  stage  upon  her  arrival  at  her 
home. 

"  Missy  Nelly  don'  com'  home ! "  was  shouted  in 
chorus  by  her  black  but  loving  friends,  while  old  Mammy 
declared,  "  Fore  de  Lawd,  Missy  am  growd  to  be  nicest 
honey  in  de  hull  world." 

Cyrus  Jones,  returning  from  the  school-house,  hav- 
ing finished  his  duties  for  the  day,  now  hearing  the 
rattling  of  wheels  and  the  call  of  the  stage  driver, 
mingled  with  the  happy  cries  of  the  negroes,  together 
with  the  startled  exclamation  of  Mam  Cloe,  meanwhile 
wondering  what  had  happened  to  create  so  great  a  dis- 
turbance, hastened  to  the  window  overlooking  the  scene 
just  in  time  to  perceive  the  form  of  Nelly  clasped  in  the 
loving  embrace  of  the  old  mammy.  Her  coming  was  at 
this  particular  time  a  surprise  to  all.  The  plantation 
schoolmaster,  desiring  to  create  a  favorable  impression  on 
the  mind  of  his  employer's  daughter,  especially  on  this 
his  first  presentation  to  one  of  whom  he  had  heard  so 
much,  and  for  whom  his  expectations  were  raised  to  the 
highest  pitch,  proceeded  to  arrange  a  toilet  proper  for 
the  occasion. 

Now  be  it  known,  Nelly's  brother,  Herman,  had  been 
spending  nearly  four  years  at  a  Northern  institution  of 
learning  in  the  pursuit  of  his  studies,  and  from  which  he 
was  soon  expecting  to  graduate,  the  college  commence- 
ment occurring  the  next  month,  Herman  was  a  fine, 
manly  fellow,  possessing  many  of  the  noble  character- 
istics of  his  father,  with  perhaps  a  lesser  degree  of  confi- 
dence in  those  with  whom  he  might  be  brought  into 
contact. 

Having  welcomed  "  Missy  Nelly  "  to  her  home,  Mam 
Cloe  again  commenced  fretting  about  "  de  cawn  pone  an 
doger  doins,  de  fried  chicken,  broiled  ham,"  and  other 
luxuries  so  lavishly  furnished  and  long  since  prepared  in 


40  THE   PLANTATION   SCHOOLMASTER. 

anticipation  of  the  coming  of    the  master,    the    usual 
hour  for  his  return  having  long  since  passed. 

*'  Sumting  berry  serous  must  habened  to  Massa  Tom," 
moaned  old  Mammy,  who  could  conceive  no  good  reason 
why  his  coming  should  be  so  delayed ;  and  without 
further  ado  dispatched  Epli  to  the  large  gateway  at  the 
entrance  to  the  grounds  of  the  mansion,  with  the  injunc- 
tion, "  Dat  'megitly  'pon  de  'rival  ob  ol  Massa,"  he  was 
to  give  them  notice  by  sending  forth  one  of  his  accustom- 
ed ear-splitting  yells. 

During  this  interval  of  anxious  waiting,  old  Mammy 
gave  her  newly  arrived  friend  an  account  of  the  coming 
of  Cyrus  Jones,  and  his  interview  with  her  father  term- 
inating in  his  engagement  as  teacher.     Said  Mammy : 

"Massa  Jones  am  a  berry  fine 'pearing  young  gemman, 
an'  Massa  Tom  do  set  great  store  by  him." 

Listening  to  these  high  encomiums  of  the  young  man, 
especially  when  proceeding  from  the  lips  of  her  oldest 
and  best  friend,  Nelly,  with  the  natural  curiosity  of  her 
sex,  at  once  became  quite  eager  to  see  and  become 
acquainted  with  the  youthful  prodigy,  desiring  at  the  same 
time  an  opportunity  of  judging  for  herself  in  the  matter. 

Cyrus  Jones  in  the  meantime  having  completed  an 
elaborate  toilet,  left  his  room  at  the  house  of  the  overseer. 
Thence  repairing  to  that  of  his  employer,  he  was  met  at 
the  door  by  a  colored  servant  whom  he  desired  to  acquaint 
Miss  Baxter  that  he  would  be  pleased  if  she  would  have 
the  kindness  to  grant  him  an  interview.  The  request 
conceded,  he  was  shown  to  the  parlor,  where  he  found 
the  young  lady  reclining  on  a  sofa,  in  the  enjoyment  of 
a  much  needed  rest  from  the  fatigue  incident  to  the  long 
and  tiresome  ride  of  the  day. 

Whereon  he  introduced  himself  under  his  assumed 
name  and  character.  Nelly,  meanwhile  rising  to  her 
feet,  offered  him  a  chair,  remarking  that  Mammy  Cloe 
had  previously  informed  her  of  his  presence  and  employ- 
ment at  the  plantation.  Then  giving  him  a  rapid, 
searching  glance,  she  mentally  made  the  following  com- 
ments : 


THE   PLANTATION  SCHOOLMASTER.  ♦  41 

"Your  name  may  be  Cyrus  Jones,  you  may  be  a 
native  of  a  New  England  State,  a  poor  man,  a  school- 
teacher by  profession,  and  altogether  such  a  personage 
as  you  purport,  but  I  don't  believe  one  word  of  the 
yarn.  On  the  contrary,  you  are  in  my  opinion  a  pure, 
unadulterated  fraud,  having  some  deep  ulterior  design 
in  thus  coming  to  my  father's . plantation,  introducing 
and  engaging  yourself  under  the  guise  of  a  school- 
teacher." 

Nelly  was  undoubtedly  a  good  reader  of  character,  a 
natural  trait  it  would  seem,  possessing  an  intuitive  knowl- 
edge which  seldom  led  her  into  error.  Therefore  it 
will  not  be  deemed  strange  or  out  of  place  that  she 
should  readily  come  to  an  understanding  in  regard  to  the 
true  character  of  this  man,  who  being  himself  no  inapt 
reader  of  the  human  mind,  and  noticing  and  fully  ap- 
preciating the  look  with  which  he  was  regarded,  came 
at  once  to  the  conclusion  that  here  was  an  enemy  against 
whom  he  must  place  himself  on  guard,  else  soon  find 
himself  in  a  most  dangerous,  if  not  compromising  posi- 
tion. At  the  same  time,  struck  with  the  great  beauty 
of  the  maiden,  he  determined  to  use  every  means  in  his 
power,  not  only  to  captivate  her  feelings,  but  ultimately 
win  her  heart  and  hand,  even  should  he  find  it  necessary 
to  abandon  the  mission  entrusted  to  him  in  the  interest 
of  the  Confederate  Government.  "For,"  he  argued, 
"  while  love  for  ray  country  is  powerful,  the  case 
urgent  that  of  my  heart  may  possibly  overshadow  all  else." 

At  this  moment,  the  ringing  shout  of  Eph  was 
borne  to  their  ears,  when  all  hastened  forth  to  welcome 
him  for  whose  coming  they  had  been  so  long  and  im- 
patiently waiting. 

The  first  glance  revealed  the  master  riding  at  head- 
long speed,  the  flanks  of  his  steed  dripping,  foam  flying 
from  his  mouth,  while  the  heavy  breathing  bore  evi- 
dence of  the  manner  in  which  he  had  been  ridden.  Lean- 
ing forward  until  his  breast  nearly  touched  the  neck  of 
the  horse,  sat  Mr.  Baxter,  whose  pale  drawn  features 
told  of  great  suffering  and  mental  anguish. 


42  THE   PLANTATION   SCHOOLMASTER. 

Arriving  at  tlie  open  gateway,  through  which  he 
passed  scarcely  slackening  the  speed  of  his  horse,  he  soon 
reached  the  house,  where  were  standing  in  breathless 
silence  his  daughter  Nelly,  Cyrus  Jones,  Mam  Cloe, 
besides  a  number  of  the  colored  servants.  Throwing 
the  rein  to  a  servant,  Mr.  Baxter  leaped  to  the  ground, 
noticing  no  one,  not  even  his  daughter  ;  seemingly  wholly 
oblivious  to  his  surroundings,  when  upon  reaching  the 
porch  he  fell  unconscious. 

" Papa  dear,  what  is  the  matter?"  exclaimed  Nelly, 
kneeling  at  his  side.  Then  turning  to  the  affrighted 
servants,  she  cried  :  "  Bring  some  water,  and  don't  stand 
there  moaning  and  wringing  your  hands.  Don't  you  see 
your  master  has  fainted  ?  Hurry  up  and  get  the  water! 
I'm  ashamed  of  you !  " 

Nelly  was  a  kind,  tender-henrted  and  sympathetic, 
yet  withal,  a  practical  girl.  When  an  affair  like  this 
demanded  iinmediate  action,  she  rose  to  the  occasion, 
throwing  sentiment  to  one  side,  at  once  becoming  the 
stout-hearted,  strong,  hopeful  woman.  So  instead  of 
bewailing  and  weeping,  as  many  another  under  like  cir- 
cumstances would  have  done,  she  remained  cool  and 
collected,  applying  the  sparkling  spring  water  to  his 
face,  and  bathing  his  temples,  which  having  the  desired 
effect,  soon  brought  him  back  to  life  and  consciousness. 

Opening  his  dulled  eyes,  his  astonished  gaze  fell  upon 
the  form  and  features  of  his  darling  Nelly,  whose  appear- 
ance at  this  time  was  so  wholly  unexpected,  he  could  but 
exclaim  in  joyous  tones  : 

"My  darling  daughter,  are  you  here?  Do  I  truly  be- 
hold your  welcome  face,  or  is  it  imagination?"  Then 
a  great  wave  of  sorrow  overspreading  his  features,  he 
cried :  "  Do  you — no,  you  cannot  be  aware  of  the 
trouble  which  has  befallen  us !  Your  brother  Herman 
— but  read  this.  It  will  explain  that  which  I  can 
neither  find  words  nor  command  myself  sufficiently  to  do." 

Taking  from  an  outer  pocket  a  letter,  crushed  to  an 
unseemly  mass,  he  handed  it  to  his  daughter;  who  open- 
ing and  smoothing  it  to  a  proper  shape,  read  as  follows: 


THE  PLANTATIO^r  SCHOOLMASTER.  43 


CHAPTER  Y. 

LETTER   OF   PRESIDENT   LAPHAM. 

rii  0  the  Hon.  Thomas  Baxter. 
i  "  Dear  Sir  : — It  is  with  the  most  painful  feel- 
ings I  make  the  attempt  to  address  you,  concerning  a 
subject  which  must  necessarily  wring  your  heart,  caus- 
ing us  both  the  most  serious  forebodings ;  but  not  to 
keep  you  in  suspense,  I  will  at  once  come  to  the  point. 

"  Your  son  Herman,  for  whom  it  is  needless  to  say  I 
entertain  the  highest  regard  and  esteem  as  a  man,  and  the 
warmest  affection  as  a  pupil,  has  been  arrested,  and  is  at  this 
moment  an  inmate  of  the  County  Jail,  the  charge  that  of 
murder  ;  and  here  permit  me  to  say  that  were  it  not  for 
your  well-known  powers  of  endurance,  both  physical  and 
mental,  combined  with  coolness  and  courage  in  times  of 
trial  and  danger,  I  should  hardly  feel  warranted  in  thus 
taking  upon  myself  the  responsibility  of  inditing  this  letter. 

*'  The  circumstances  attending  the  lad's  case  are  briefly 
these:  Some  four  days  since,  the  room  and  classmate 
of  your  son,  Duke  Steele,  who  from  being  a  poor,  in  fact 
almost  penniless  lad,  you  have  in  your  characteristic 
kindness  of  heart  raised  from  a  lowly  position,  taking 
upon  yourself  the  care  and  burden  of  giving  him  the  ad- 
vantages accorded  your  son,  thus  dispensing  the  necessary 
outlay  incident  to  a  full  college  course ;  also,  the  exem- 
plary conduct  at  all  times  manifest,  together  with  the 
fine  natural  abilities  of  this  young  man,  have  evidently 
warranted  you  in  taking  this  step,  as  also  the  high  es- 
teem in  which  he  has  ever  been  held  by  his  schoolmates 
and  preceptors — this  young  man,  your  protege,  Duke 
Steele,  has  suddenly  and  most  unaccountably  disappeared  ; 
and  though  a  most  thorough  search  has  been  instituted 
nothing  has  as  yet  been  found  leading  to  his  discovery. 


44  LETTEB  OF  PRESIDENT  LAPHAM. 

"Now,  Epiiraim  Stroud,  a  fellow-student,  comes  for- 
ward, testifying  that  on  the  evening  four  days  preced- 
ing the  date  of  this  letter,  while  passing  through  the  hall 
on  one  side  of  which  are  situated  the  rooms  occupied  by 
both  your  son  and  Duke  Steele,  voices  were  heard  in 
altercation,  loud  and  angry  words  spoken,  followed  by  a 
blow  and  heavy  fall.  At  this  instant,  a  female  closely 
veiled,  probably  in  disguise,  left  the  room,  passing  in 
haste  through  the  hall,  down  the  stairs,  across  the  col- 
lege grounds  to  the  street,  then  disappeared. 

"  Upon  this  seemingly  damaging  testimony  being  laid 
before  the  proper  authorities,  coupled  with  the  complete 
disappearance  of  Duke  Steele,  your  son  was  arrested  and 
an  examination  held  ;  resulting  in  his  being  placed  in 
confinement  in  the  County  Jail,  there  to  await  the  action 
of  the  Grand  Jury  and  the  District  Court,  which  con- 
venes in  August. 

"  It  is  understood,  that  owing  to  the  peculiar  circum- 
stances of  the  case,  bail  will  not  be  admitted. 

"  Now,  my  dear  sir,  while  most  implicitly  believing 
in  the  innocence  of  your  son,  it  will,  I  am  sure,  be 
deemed  prudent  to  employ  the  most  eminent  legal  talent 
in  the  country  for  his  defence. 

"  Trusting  I  may  hear  from  you  soon,  and  with  full 
sympathy  in  this  time  of  your  great  and  almost  over- 
whelming trouble,  I  remain 

"  Yours  very  truly, 

"  Jonathan  Lapham, 

»  Pres. College." 

When  Nelly  had  finished  reading  the  letter,  instead 
of  bewailing  the  hard  fate  of  her  brother,  thus  adding  to 
the  grief  and  overburdened  mind  of  her  father,  who 
seemed  so  completely  broken  down  by  this  sudden  and 
terrible  calamity  that  his  mind  had  almost  deserted  him, 
the  noble  self-possessed  girl  remarked,  in  an  affectionate 
and  singularly  cheerful  tone : 

"  Well,  papa,  this  is  certainly  a  bad  state  of  affairs. 
Still  it  seems  to  me  the  only  course  to  be  pursued  is  to 


LETTER   or    PRESIDENT  LAPHAM.  45 

look  this  thing  squarely  in  the  face,  summoning  all  the 
fortitude  and  courage  at  our  command,  and  at  once  make 
arrangements  to  go  to  brother  Herman's  assistance.  It 
may  still  be  possible  to  obtain  consent  of  the  authorities 
to  accept  bail ;  in  which  event  we  will  bring  him  home, 
where  he  can  remain  at  ease  until  the  time  set  for  his 
trial.  In  the  meantime  we  will  leave  no  stone  unturned 
to  prove  his  entire  innocence  of  this  vile  charge.  For, 
papa,  I  know  brother  Herman  is  not  guilty  of  the  per- 
petration of  such  a  crime,  or  of  having  any  knowledge 
even  regarding  the  cause  of  this  most  extraordinary  accu- 
sation. And  again,  there  is  either  some  grave  mistake 
in  this  matter,  or  else  a  mean,  contemptible  conspiracy 
at  the  bottom ;  and  I  would  not  be  iu  the  least  surprised 
should  we  find  upon  further  examination  your  worthy 
friend  and — accomplished  scoundrel,  I  came  near  saying — 
school-teacher,  Cyrus  Jones,  having  a  hand  in  the 
affair." 

The  evidentpurpose  of  the  skilled  diplomatist  in  making 
this  declaration  was  if  possible  to  relieve  the  tortured  mind 
of  her  father  ;  thus  assuming  an  outward  show  of  cheer- 
fulness she  could  scarcely  feel,  as  her  heart  even  now 
was  filled  with  the  most  dreadful  forebodings  and  mis- 
givings. Still  she  was  inclined  to  the  use  of  every  means 
in  her  power  to  stem  the  tide  of  this  untoward  chain  of 
events,  seemingly  so  nearly  ready  to  envelop  the  family 
in  its  toils.  Thus  through  Nelly's  energetic  treatment 
of  the  case,  Mr.  Baxter  at  once  took  heart.  Embracing 
his  brave  daughter,  giving  her  the  assurance  of  having 
taken  a  great  weight  from  his  heart,  also  restoring  in 
good  measure  his  usual  serenity  of  mind,  at  the  same 
time  he  admitted  that  the  startling  news  coming  upon 
him  without  warning,  had  nearly  overbalanced  his  rea- 
son. 

"  And  now,  IsTelly,"  said  be,  "  I  will  give  orders  that 
the  servants  have  everything  in  readiness  for  an  early 
departure  in  the  morning,  when  we  will  set  out  for  the 
Bcene  of  tbe  disaster  and  your  brother's  relief.  Please 
call  the  coachman,  Pomp,  and  direct  him  to  prepare  th© 


46  LETTER   OF    PRESIDENT   LAPHAM. 

family  carriage  and  the  spaa  of  bays,  so  that  we  may  be 
off  in  good  season." 

So,  after  an  early  breakfast  on  the  following  morning, 
the  carriage  was  drawn  up  at  the  door,  when  Mr.  Baxter 
and  his  daughter  were  soon  thereafter  on  the  way  to  the 
railway  station,  but  not  before  bidding  the  attached  serv- 
ants good-bye,  with  an  admonition  to  be  faithful  during 
their  absence,  which  he  averred  might  be  somewhat 
prolonged. 

After  a  weary  journey  they  reached  the  city  of  New 
York,  whence  they  traveled  by  steamer  to  the  town 
where  was  located  the  college  within  whose  walls  was 
so  lately  engaged  in  the  pursuit  of  his  cherished  studies 
the  beloved  son  and  brother,  now  an  alleged  felon  incar- 
carated  in  a  lonely  cell. 

At  once  repairing  to  the  principal  hotel  of  the  town, 
they  took  a  much  needed  rest  and  refreshment ;  then 
wended  their  way  to  the  stern  and  gloomy  stone  walls, 
where  behind  the  grate-barred  window  they  found  the 
young  man ;  who  was  not  only  overjoyed  to  see  them, 
but  was  bearing  up  wonderfully  under  his  apparently 
adverse  fate. 

A  warm  and  hearty  greeting  from  father  and  sister 
followed  a  cordial  welcome  to  his  quarters  from  the 
prisoner,  who  was  forced  to  admit  that  his  present 
apartments  were  not  quite  equal'  to  those  he  had  so  long 
occupied  in  the  college  building. 

The  young  man  evidently  looked  upon  the  affair  in  a 
different  light  from  that  of  his  father,  his  sister,  or  even 
the  president  of  the  college,  for  he  could  conceive  of  no 
good  reason  why  he  should  have  been  so  summarily 
locked  up  in  prison.  However,  he  admitted  to  his 
friends  that  the  facts  in  the  case  leading  to  his  arrest, 
examination  and  commitment  to  the  jail,  were  in  the 
main  the  same  as  those  forwarded  by  Jonathan  Lapham, 
the  president  of  the  college,  at  the  same  time  giving  the 
assurance  that  the  grave  charge  was  without  the  least 
foundation. 

"  Which,"  he  continued,  "will  be  shown  when  I  am 


LETTER   OF   PRESIDENT   LAPIIAM.  47 

brouglit  before  the  Grand  Jury  for  examination,  possibly 
indictment,  for  there's  not  the  shadow  of  doubt  but  that  I 
will  be  wholly  exonerated  from  blame  and  reinstated  to 
my  former  position.  Why,  father,"  said  he,  "  it's  the  most 
silly  charge  and  trumped  up  affair  I've  ever  heard  of. 
For  right  in  the  face  of  the  fact  that  no  harm  has  come 
to  anyone  that  I  can  see — anyhow  not  so  proven — other 
than  to  myself,  and  I'm  not  badly  oft'  as  yet,  still  I  must 
own  it's  not  pleasant  to  be  shut  up  inside  these  stone 
walls.  Yet  the  authorities  in  their  superior  wisdom 
have  seen  fit  to  bring  this  humiliation  upon  your  only 
son.  That  Duke  Steele  is  all  right  I  haven't  the  least 
doubt.  Took  it  into  his  head  doubtless  to  run  off  to  the 
country  for  a  few  daj'-s,  or  something  of  that  sort.  So, 
father,  brace  up,  and  don't  for  goodness'  sake,  lose  an 
hour's  sleep  on  my  account." 

Herman's  father  and  sister  both  remained  with  him 
for  several  days,  meantime  attempting  to  prevail  upon 
the  authorities  to  accept  bail,  giving  every  possible 
assurance  the  prisoner  should  be  on  hand  promptly  at 
the  hour  set  for  trial.  Yet  after  repeated  efforts,  argu- 
ment, entreaty,  even  the  offer  of  large  sums  of  money 
availing  naught,  they  were  at  length  compelled  to  aban- 
don hope  in  this  direction.  So,  bidding  the  loved  one  a 
tearful  farewell,  they  departed  for  their  home  with  heavy 
hearts  and  anxious  thoughts,  there  to  await  the  day 
when  Herman  would  be  placed  on  trial  for  his  life — a 
life  that  had  ever  been  one  of  honor  to  himself,  obedience 
to  his  father,  friendship  and  good- will  to  nil. 

Meantime,  Cyrus  Jones  continued  on  in  the  even  tenor 
of  his  way,  filling  the  position  of  plantation  schoolmas- 
ter to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  his  employer,  also  with- 
out suspicion  of  being  other  than  he  seemed.  He  had 
on  a  number  of  occasions  made  overtures  to  Nelly, 
which  were  so  unacceptable  to  the  noble,  high-spirited 
maiden,  that  had  she  given  way  to  her  feelings,  she 
would  without  further  ado  have  reproached  him  to  his 
face  and  condemned  him  to  her  father.  Yet  when  taking 
into  account  the  trying  position  in  which  the  family  was 


48  DUKE   STEELE. 

placed,  and  the  need  of  great  caution,  the  indignatiou 
she  truly  felt  was  smothered  in  lier  bosom.  However, 
when  meeting  his  advances  with  an  outward  show  of 
acknowledgment,  yet  inwardly  v/ith  the  scorn  they 
merited,  she  was  more  than  once  on  the  point  of  telling 
him  that  her  honest  belief  was  that  he  was  none  other 
than  an  infamous  scoundrel,  a  double  dyed  villain  in  the 
garb  of  a  saint — in  other  words,  "  a  wolf  in  sheep's 
clothing." 

Little  did  either  Mr.  Baxter  or  his  daughter  under- 
stand the  true  position  of  this  man,  nor  that  he  was  in 
regular  correspondence  with  the  alleged  student,  Ephraim 
Stroud,  really  a  Confederate  spy,  and  the  classmate  of  Her- 
man Baxter.  It  was  also  this  same  Ephraim  Stroud,  in 
female  disguise,  who,  on  the  evening  before  mentioned,  had 
applied  for  admission  to  the  room  of  the  students.  Also, 
he  was  both  the  instigator  and  author  of  the  foul  accusa- 
tion leading  to  the  arrest  of  Herman  Baxter.  Not  only 
this,  but  the  prime  mover  in  the  afl'air,  causing  the 
mysterious  disappearance  of  Duke  Steele,  through  which 
he  hoped  to  secure  Nelly  for  himself  and  the  Baxter 
estates  to  the  Confederacy. 

It  was  now  the  tenth  of  May.  The  trial  would  take 
place  the  coming  August,  Nelly's  short  vacation  had 
come  to  an  end,  and  it  was  now  time  for  her  to  return  to 
the  seminary ;  but  with  characteristic  unselfishness,  she 
decided  to  remain  at  home,  and  cheer  her  father  in  his 
hour  of  trial. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

DUKE   STEELE. 


nC^HIS  room  mate  of  Herman  Baxter,  Duke  Steele, 

I        who  had  so  suddenly  and  mysteriously,  evidently 

without  cause,  disappeared,  was  the  only  son  of  a  poor 

hard-working  but  worthy  widow,  whose  home  was  at 


DUKE    STEELE,  49 

the  little  village  of  Oxford,  where  the  young  man  was 
from  and  had  always  lived. 

Duke  was  an  uncommonly  bright  boy,  at  least  in  com- 
parison with  many  of  his  associates,  of  whom  the  prin- 
cipal one  was  his  friend  Herman. 

Attending  the  village  school,  as  boys  they  had  been 
intimate,  thus  growing  up  together,  until  at  the  age  of 
sixteen  both  were  fully  prepared  to  enter  college ;  and 
though  one  year  the  younger,  Duke  had  kept  even  pace 
with  his  young  friend  in  their  preparatory  studies. 

Now,  while  Duke's  mother,  the  Widow  Steele,  was 
casting  about  for  a  situation  whereby  her  son  could  be 
placed  in  a  position  not  only  to  earn  his  own  living,  but 
at  the  same  time  render  that  assistance  which  would  be 
naturally  due  his  mother,  who  was  well  along  in  years, 
Herman  had  said  to  his  father  : 

"  It  is  really  too  bad  that  Duke  can't  go  with  me  to 
college,  for  I  shall  miss  him  more  than  words  can  tell, 
as  we  have  always  been  to  each  other  the  same  as 
brothers.  Then,  too,  he  is  such  a  smart  boy,  and  I  am 
sure  if  he  had  the  opportunity  afforded  him  to  acquire 
a  finished  education,  he  would  make  a  great  man." 

Not  a  thought  of  jealousy  or  envy  entered  the  mind 
of  this  generous,  wholesouled  lad.     Said  Mr.  Baxter : 

"  My  boy,  do  you  really  feel  so  much  interest  in  Duke's 
welfare  ?  I  am  truly  well  pleased,  as  it  shows  evidence 
of  your  goodness  of  heart  and  generous  nature.  Yes,  I 
think  we  can  manage  the  affair.  Now,  my  boy,  suppose 
I  should  agree  to  pay  his  tuition  and  all  necessary  ex- 
penses for  a  full  college  course,  giving  him  the  same 
advantages  as  yourself,  what  would  you  say?  " 

Advancing  to  his  father's  side  and  giving  him  his 
hand,  Herman  cried  : 

"  I  would  say  you  were  the  best  father  a  boy  ever 
had  !  " 

So  it  was  settled  that  the  widow's  son  should  accom- 
pany Herman  when  he  set  out  for  college. 

The  fact  becoming  known  to  the  villagers  that 
Duke  Steele  was  to  be  the  recipient  of  the  bounty  of 

3 


60  DUKE    STEELE. 

their  wealthy  neighbor,  Thomas  Baxter,  it  naturally 
excited  much  comment.  In  a  small  community  like 
this,  each  member  is  usually  fully  acquainted  with 
the  affairs  of  his  neighbor,  the  most  insignificant 
events  being  heralded  abroad  and  talked  about  as 
affairs  of  great  importance  ;  so  it  will  not  be  a  matter 
of  wonder  that  an  event  of  this  magnitude  should  be  the 
subject  of  general  conversation,  or  that  the  parents  of 
boys  less  highly  favored  should  manifest  a  good  deal  of 
jealousy,  though  as  a  matter  of  course,  not  willing  to 
acknowledge  the  fact.  Their  ill  feelings  were  frequently 
accompanied  with  remarks,  some  of  a  harsh  and  alto- 
gether unbecoming  nature. 

During  the  four  years'  course  the  boys  had  kept  pretty 
even  pace  in  their  studies,  and  as  the  time  drew  near  for 
their  graduation,  a  separation  must  inevitably  take 
place.  They  were  from  this  fact  drawn  more  closely 
together,  mutually  regretting  the  time  when  they  were 
to  step  forth  into  the  world,  the  one  for  the  high  station 
now  so  ably  filled  by  his  father,  the  other  compelled  to 
make  his  way  by  his  own  unaided  efforts. 

They  had  both  grown  to  be  fine  young  men,  and  though 
Duke  was  one  year  the  3^ounger,  yet  he  was  taller,  more 
compactly  built,  perliaps  the  better  looking,  and  in 
intellect  not  one  whit  inferior  to  his  more  fortunate  com- 
panion. No  thought  of  jealousy  '  or  sign  of  ill  feeling 
had  ever  existed  in  the  minds  of  either.  On  the  con- 
trary, a  mutual  interest  and  reign  of  good-will  had  at 
all  times  existed,  with  no  suspicion  of  intrigue  or  aught 
unbecoming  in  their  necessarily  limited  intercourse  with 
the  young  ladies  of  their  acquaintance. 

The  time  now  drawing  near  when  they  would  gradu- 
ate and  receive  their  diplomas,  was  as  a  matter  of  course 
regarded  with  some  anxiety. 

Sitting  in  the  cozy  college  room  on  this  bright  June 
morning,  both  seemingly  absorbed  in  deep  thought, 
Herman  suddenly  broke  the  silence,  asking  the  question  : 

''  Duke,  what  do  you  propose  doing  with  yourself 
when  we  get  through  with  our  school  ?  " 


DUKE    STEELE.  51 

"  Well,  old  fellow,  I've  studied  that  problem  by  day, 
and  dreamed  of  it  bj  night,  and  I  am  fain  to  confess  it 
seems  to  me  the  most  important  period  of  one's  whole 
life.  Still,  I've  come  pretty  nearly  to  the  conclusion  to 
study  law,  and  I  think  I  will  call  on  Attorney  Stubbs 
as  soon  as  may  be  after  reaching  home.  I  will  offer 
myself  as  a  pupil,  and  if  successful  in  my  application, 
I  can  earn  something  by  copying  for  the  of&ce  and 
maybe  writing  articles  for  the  local  papers,  thus  earning 
enough  to  pay  my  way  until  1  am  fitted  for  practice. 
As  you  well  know,  I  am  a  poor  boy,  wholly  dependent 
thus  far  on  the  generosity  of  your  father  for  my  support, 
and  also  the  necessary  outlay  attending  the  college 
course.  In  addition  to  this,  he  has  most  generously 
supplied  me  with  sufficient  funds  to  enable  me  to  make 
a  creditable  showing  with  my  associates,  at  the  same  time 
furnishing  my  mother  with  all  things  tending  to  her 
support,  happiness  and  comfort.  Your  father's  liberality 
has  enabled  me  to  save  up  a  few  hundred  dollars,  which, 
for  safe  keeping,  I  have  deposited  in  a  bank  in  this  city. 
This  sum,  though  comparatively  small,  will  suffice  to 
help  me  along  until  I  get  a  start  in  life,  as  I  intend  here- 
after to  rely  wholly  upon  my  own  intellectual  resources. 
But,  my  friend,  this  is  wholly  foreign  to  the  subject  I 
had  in  mind,  and  which  I  am  anxious  to  speak  to  you 
about — but,  hang  it!  I  don't  know  how  to  get  at  it." 

"  Why  Duke,  old  fellow,  you  need  have  no  hesitation 
or  fear  of  telling  me,  *  your  brother,'  whatever  you  may 
have  on  your  mind,  providing  it's  nothing  particularly 
bad — some  heinous  crime,  eh  ?  You're  surely  not  going 
to  commit  murder,  or  anything  of  that  sort?  Thus  far 
we  have  had  no  unshared  secrets.  Why  should  we 
now  ?  " 

"  That's  quite  true,"  said  Duke,  "  but  never  an  affair 
of  equal  importance,  to  myself  at  least,  has  been  presented 
for  our  mutual  consideration.  In  fact,  I  may  truly 
say  this  is  the  one  great  concern  of  my  life,  and  upon  its 
successful  issue  may  depend  my  whole  future.  To  be 
your  brother,  not  only  in  name,  but  also  in  fact,  is  the 


52  DUKE    STEELE. 

one  thing  above  all  others  I  most  desire.  In  short, 
Herman  Baxter,  I  love — your  sister  1 " 

Upon  the  conclusion  of  this  startling  announcement, 
the  face  of  Duke  became  all  aglow  with  excitement,  his 
eyes  flashing,  when  turning  his  gaze  upon  his  friend  to 
note  how  the  young  student  was  receiving  this  all-im- 
portant secret,  he  was  quite  bewildered  to  observe 
Herman  quietly  smoking  his  cigar,  in  no  wise  differ- 
ent from  his  usual  calm  equipoise,  a  smile  of  content- 
ment overspreading  his  handsome  countenance,  evidently 
waiting  till  his  companion  should  have  concluded  the 
terrible  confession.     Duke  continued: 

"  You  are  doubtless  aware  of  the  fact  that  Nelly 
and  I  have  long  known  each  other,  in  fact,  have  been 
close  friends  and  playmates  since  our  earliest  child 
hood  ?  " 

"  Ya'as,  quite  a  long  time,  no  doubt.  About  eighteen 
years,  at  a  rough  guess,"  said  the  young  tormentor. 

"  Please,  Herman,  don't  interrupt  me  !  " 

"Well,  go  on.  What  about  Nelly,  whom  you  have 
known  so  long?  " 

"  You  won't  be  angry,  old  boy  ?  "  pleaded  Duke. 

"  Well,  that  depends.  If  you  mean  to  tell  me  Nelly 
isn't  good,  nor  handsome,  that  she's  cross-eyed,  squints, 
has  red  hair  and  a  temper,  that  in  short,  you '' 

"  Herman,  my  friend,  why  will  you  tantalize  me  in 
this  way,  when  you  know  as  well  as  I,  that  she  is  the 
best,  most  beautiful,  bravest " 

"Well,  Duke,  what  else?" 

"  Nothing,  only  I  want  her  for  my  wife." 

"  The  deuce  you  do !  I  believe  you  said  as  much 
before  ;  anyhow,  you  so  hinted.  You  love  her,  eh,  and 
want  her  for  your  wife  ?  Well,  'pon  my  word,  I  can't  find 
it  in  my  heart  to  blame  you,  old  fellow.  But  what 
about  Nelly?  Let  us  come  to  a  fair  understanding  in  the 
matter.  Does  she  hate  you  ?  Is  that  what  you  mean  to 
tell  me,  and  want  a  little  assistance  from  her  brother  by 
way  of  adjusting  affairs,  making  things  run  a  little 
more  smoothly,  eh  ?  " 


DUKE    STEELE.  53 

"  No,  Herman,  that  is  not  it,  for  I  do  believe  she  has 
given  me  good  reason  to  think  my  love  is  returned," 

"  Ya'as  ?  Go  ahead.  Make  '  an  open  confesson,'  'tis 
'  good  for  the  soul,'  so  said.  Do  you  want  to  kidnap  her, 
elope,  or  anything  of  that  sort  ?  " 

"  No,  my  dear  friend,  I  only  wanted  to  say  that  Nelly 
and  I  are  quite  agreed  in  the  matter ;  and  to  come  directly 
to  the  point,  we  love  each  other  devotedly,  but  I  was 
afraid " 

"  Oh  !  I  see !  You  are  afraid  some  other  good-looking 
fellow  will  come  along  and  she  may  go  back  on  you." 

"No,  but  I  was  afraid  that  taking  into  consideration 
the  difference  in  our  circumstances,  she  rich — I  poor — " 

"  Ya'as,  that's  so.  That  you  would  expect  her  to  look 
higher,  and  all  that?  Now,  look  here,  Duke,  let's  fully 
understand  one  another  in  a  matter  so  intimately  con- 
cerning the  welfare  of  all  parties.  That  you  are  poor 
in  this  world's  goods  I  freely  admit.  That  you  are  rich 
in  all  that  goes  to  make  a  thoroughly  good  fellow,  I 
will  insist ;  and  believe  me  when  I  say,  in  all  truth  and 
candor,  that  I'd  rather  own  you  for  a  brother-in-law 
than  any  other  man,  were  he  ever  so  high  in  station,  or 
possessed  of  the  reputed  wealth  of  a  Croesus;  and  with- 
out further  ado,  here's  my  hand  'pon  it,  and  my  blessing 
to  boot." 

Springing  to  his  feet,  Duke  grasped  the  hand  of  his 
friend,  tears  of  joy  streaming  down  his  flushed  face,  and 
he  ejaculated  in  joyous  tones  : 

"  Herman,  you  have  made  me  the  happiest  of  men ! 
And  now  that  this  affair  is  so  happily  settled  between 
us  two,  I  will  write  to  Nelly  at  once,  telling  her  that 
her  brother " 

"Oh,  bother!  Say  what  you  please,  but  mostly  of 
yourself — she'll  appreciate  it  all  the  better." 

Having  relieved  himself  of  this  most  weighty  affair, 
he  quickly  wrote  the  letter  and  then  set  himself  vigor- 
ously to  work  writing  his  graduating  address,  to  be 
delivered  at  the  coming  college  commencement,  now  so 
near  at  hand  ;    while  his  friend,  lighting  a  fresh  cigar, 


54  DUKE    STEELE. 

strolled  down  the  broad  avenue  leading  to  an  adjacent  for- 
est, enjoying  the  cool  morning  breeze  and  the  refreshing 
shade  of  the  magnificent  wide-spreading  trees,  so  much 
to  be  desired  on  a  sultry  summer  morning. 

Thus  the  day  passed,  both  fully  engaged  in  tlieir  liter- 
ary labors,  intermingled  with  agreeable  and  pleasant 
conversation,  no  thought  of  evil  or  trouble  of  any  kind 
to  mar  the  cheerful  contemplation  of  the  joys  in  store. 

The  shades  of  evening  drew  nigh,  soon  followed  by 
the  gloom  of  night.  The  cool  refreshing  breeze,  so 
acceptable  after  the  oppressive  heat  of  the  long  day, 
played  in  at  the  windows  of  their  college  apartment,  as 
seated  at  their  respective  tables,  the  lamp's  light  casting 
a  cheerful  glow  over  the  scene,  the  two  young  men  were 
engaged  in  their  studies,  when  suddenly  a  double  knock 
was  heard  at  the  door.  Supposing  some  neighboring 
student  or  friendly  college  professor  desired  admittance 
for  a  little  chat,  one  of  the  young  men  replied  to  the 
knock  by  a  cheery  "  Come  in,"  when  the  door  was  gen- 
tly opened,  followed  by  the  entrance  of  a  closely  veiled 
female. 

Both  at  once  arose,  greatly  wondering  at  the  cause  of 
this  singular  and  inopportune  appearance  of  a  woman, 
more  especially  at  this  late  hour.  In  fact,  their  aston- 
ishment was  unbounded,  both  indulging  in  the  thought 
that  something  unusual  was  about. to  happen, 

"  Madame,"  questioned  Herman,  "  madame,  who  are 
you?  What  do  you  wish,  and  why  do  you  come  to  our 
room  at  this  hour  of  the  evening?  " 

"Sir,  to  your  first  question,  I  will  answer,  as  my 
appearance  would  seem  to  indicate,  a  woman.  To  the 
second,  my  reply  is,  nothing  1 " 

Then  turning,  and,  as  seemed,  carelessly  running 
against  the  large  table  of  Duke  Steele,  she  overturned 
table,  books,  writing  materials  and  lamp,  precipitating 
all  to  the  floor. 

Fearful  of  an  explosion  of  the  lighted  lamp,  the  atten- 
tion of  both  the  young  men  being  directed  to  its  extinc- 
tion, they  could  not  well  follow  their  strange  visitor; 


DUKE    STEELE.  55 

from  which  fact  she  escaped  without  question  or  recog- 
nition. 

"  Well,"  said  Duke,  "  that's  a  singular  affair!  I  can  t 
understand  it.  She  must  be  a  mad  woman.  The  idea 
of  a  character  of  that  kind  visiting  our  apartment  in  this 
mysterious  manner  and  at  this  late  hour  is  quite  astound- 
ing. Had  we  not  better  follow  and  question  her,  and 
find  out  why  she  came,  or  what  object  she  had  in  view  ?  " 

*'  Oh,  no,"  said  his  companion.  "  It's  probably  some 
freak  of  the  boys,  who  want  to  play  a  trick  on  us.  So 
near  the  close  of  the  term,  they  always  take  more  liber- 
ties, you  know.  Let's  pay  no  further  attention  to  the 
affair." 

So  dismissing  the  subject  from  their  minds,  they  again 
applied  themselves  to  their  tasks. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

A  SINGULAR  DISAPPEARANCE. 

BOTH  our  young  friends  were  early  astir  on  the  fol- 
lowing morning,  Duke  remarking: 

"  I  believe  I  will  take  a  short  walk,  a  little  exercise 
will  give  me  an  appetite  for  breakfast." 

They  had  evidently  forgotten  the  startling  episode  of 
the  previous  evening,  at  least  neither  had  spoken  of  it. 

Tlie  world  looked  uncommonly  bright  to  tbe  young 
student,  now  that  his  love  affair  was  so  fairly  prosper- 
ing;  his  fruitful  imagination  picturing  in  glowing  colors, 
as  is  usual  to  "  love's  young  dream,"  his  lovely  Nelly 
and  the  happiness  in  store.  His  college  career  so  near 
at  an  end,  he  looked  forward  to  the  time  when,  having 
finished  his  legal  studies,  he  would  make  for  himself  a 
home,  then  invite  his  beloved  to  share  it ;  afterward, 
with  all  the  concentrated  powers  of  mind,  strive  for 
name,  fame  and  fortune.  Thus  all  things  were  rose-col- 
ored, the  future  exceedingly  bright.  _ 


56  A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE. 

Yet  a  storm  cloud  was  even  now  hovering  over  liim, 
aoon  to  burst,  overwhelming  him  in  its  relentless  fury, 
his  proud  bark  overturned  by  raging  tempest  and  resist- 
less flood. 

The  hour  for  Duke's  return  having  passed,  Herman 
waited  his  appearance  until  after  the  customary  break- 
fast time;  meantime  thinking  his  friend  had  taken  a 
longer  stroll  than  he  first  anticipated,  thus  causing  the 
delay.  However,  waiting  no  longer,  he  repaired  alone 
to  the  dining  hall,  partaking  of  the  meal  without  fur- 
ther thought  of  the  absent.  Afterward  returning  to 
his  room,  he  soon  became  so  thoroughly  engrossed  in 
study  as  .to  become  wholly  oblivious  to  his  friend's 
absence,  neither  remembering  nor  noticing  his  being 
away  from  his  accustomed  post.  Yet  when  the  dinner 
hour  arrived  and  still  no  sign,  he  began  to  feel  some 
uneasiness. 

Again  evening  and  night,  and  no  Duke !  What  could 
be  the  meaning  of  his  protracted  absence  ? 

Thus  passed  three  long  days  of  weary  conjecture  and 
anxious  suspense,  no  one  in  the  least  able  to  comprehend 
the  cause  of  the  student's  disappearance,  yet  scarcely 
daring  to  admit  the  thought  that  anything  serious  could 
have  happened.  But  when  three  days  had  expired, 
bringing  no  tidings,  the  college  authorities,  after  consul- 
tation, thought  to  bestir  themselves,  believing  the  affair 
of  a  more  serious  nature  than  at  first  apprehended.  They 
instituted  a  thorough  search,  throughout  not  only  the 
extensive  grounds  of  the  institution,  but  the  surround- 
ing country  as  well.  Every  nook,  sequestered  corner 
and  clump  of  bushes,  each  piece  of  wood,  forest,  field 
and  out  of  the  way  place  was  closely  scanned ;  still  no 
trace  of  the  missing  student. 

More  than  a  week  elapsed.  Letters  were  sent  to  his 
home  and  friends  throughout  that  section,  making  inqui- 
ries, notices  inserted  in  the  local  papers,  yet  nothing 
came  of  it.  As  a  last  resort,  a  reward  of  five  hundred 
dollars  was  offered  by  the  town  authorities  for  the  dis- 
covery of  the  body,  if  dead,  or  his  person,  if  living.     It 


A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE.  57 

really  seemed  that  the  earth  had  literally  swallowed  him 
up  within  its  depths,  leaving  no  trace. 

Up  to  this  period  there  has  been  no  suspician  of  in- 
trigue, or  anyone  having  aught  to  do  with  this  most 
singular  and  mysterious  disappearance — least  of  all  his 
cherished  friend  and  room  mate.  But  now,  excitement 
rising  to  the  highest  pitch,  Ephraim  Stroud  comes  for- 
ward, testifying  that  on  an  evening  of  the  previous  week, 
when  passing  the  room  occupied  by  the  young  men,  loud 
angry  voices  were  heard,  accompanied  by  a  blow  and 
heavy  fall;  at  the  instant  the  door  opening,  a  female  fig- 
ure, closely  veiled,  came  hastily  out  and  left  the  build- 
ing. 

Ephraim  Stroud  made  the  above  statement,  accom- 
panied by  sworn  affidavit.  Herman  Baxter  was  imme- 
diately taken  into  custody  and  examination  held  before 
a  local  magistrate,  resulting  in  his  being  remanded  to 
the  County  Jail,  there  to  remain  until  the  sitting  of  the 
District  Court.  Whereupon,  the  president  of  the  col- 
lege, Jonathan  Lapham,  dispatched  a  letter  to  the  Hon. 
Thomas  Baxter,  detailing  the  main  facts  in  the  case. 

Ephraim  Stroud,  the  alleged  student,  was,  it  will  be 
noted,  at  the  same  time  an  agent  for  the  Confederate 
Government.  He  was  one  of  those  young  men  of  the 
South,  of  good  address,  highly  connected,  placed  in  this 
position  for  the  purpose  of  spying  out  certain  facts, 
obtainable  in  no  other  way,  at  least  with  a  like  degree  of 
accuracy,  facts  of  the  utmost  importance  and  benefit  to 
the  cause  he  was  so  eminently  fitted  to  represent. 
Through  his  correspondence  with  the  plantation  school- 
teacher, Cyrus  Jones,  he  had  become  cognizant  of  many 
facts  relating  to  the  history  of  the  Baxter  family,  also 
of  the  personal  charms  of  the  daughter  Nelly.  Thor- 
oughly ingratiating  himself  into  the  confidence  of  his 
classmate,  Herman  Baxter,  he  had  learned  through  that 
source  of  the  immense  wealth  of  his  father,  also  of  his 
Union  sentiments,  all  of  the  utmost  importance  to  him- 
self, as  also  greatly  to  the  advantage  of  the  Confederacy. 

Studying  the  matter  over,  Stroud  resolved,  as  the  first 


6S  A   SINGULAR    DISAPPEARANCE. 

step  in  the  scheme,  to  dispose  of  Herman.  So,  with 
much  shrewdness,  the  plan  was  concocted  arranging  for 
the  disappearance  of  Duke  Steele ;  which  feat  accom- 
plished, it  would  be  no  difficult  matter  to  bring  the 
charge  of  murder  against  his  friend  ;  who  thus  disposed 
of,  he  would  at  the  proper  time  denounce  the  father  as  a 
character  antagonistic  to  the  institution  of  slavery,  con- 
sequently an  opponent  of  Secession.  Afterward  he 
would  set  about  the  no  less  welcome  task  of  securing 
Nelly  Baxter  for  himself,  and  the  wealth  of  her  father  to 
the  Confederacy. 

Encountering  Duke  on  the  morning  in  question,  at  the 
same  time  manifesting  much  pleasure  at  the  nnexpected 
meeting,  especially  at  the  dawn  of  so  beautiful  a  day, 
Stroud  proposed  accompanying  him  in  his  stroll ;  which 
being  readily  agreed  to  by  his  unsuspecting  victim,  they 
wandered  out  to  the  adjacent  forest,  conversing  on  agree- 
able topics,  mainly  concerning  the  college  commencement, 
taking  little  heed  of  the  distance  traversed.  When  sud- 
denly, seemingly  without  premeditated  thought,  Stroud 
halted,  turning  to  his  companion  with  the  question: 

"  Steele,  are  you  aware  that  you  are  placed  in  a  com- 
promising position?  " 

"How  so?"  said  Duke. 

"  Why,  about  that  female  who  was  seen  leaving  your 
room  last  evening.  Don't  you  know  that  should  the 
affair  get  noised  about — as  it  surely  must — thus  bringing 
it  to  the  notice  of  the  college  authorities,  it  will  cause 
your  ruin  ?  You  must  certainly  be  aware  that  the  rules 
of  the  institution  are  stringent,  oftentimes  severe,  in 
affairs  of  this  kind.  You  will  be  expelled,  and  all  your 
future  hopes  blasted  ;  therefore,  it  behooves  you  to  take 
the  advice  of  a  friend.  Leave,  and  do  so  at  once ;  in 
which  event,  no  one  will  be  the  wiser,  neither  knowing 
or  even  suspecting  why  you  have  done  so  or  what  has 
become  of  you.  Consequently,  no  proceedings  will  be 
taken  against  you.  Meantime,  the  affair  will  blow  over 
— soon  be  forgotten.  Then,  after  a  year  or  so,  you  can 
return  clean  handed  and  take  your  former  place." 


A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE.  59 

Upon  this  declaration,  Duke  stood  staring  blankly 
into  the  face  of  his  adviser,  too  much  astonished  when 
listening  to  the  words — well-meant  as  he  believed — to 
entertain  the  least  suspicion  that  they  were  ill-advised, 
or  that  the  future  happiness  or  misery  of  himself  and 
his  friend  Herman  was  trembling  just  now  in  the  balance. 
Therefore,  without  taking  into  account  the  dilemma 
in  which  Herman  would  be  placed,  or  the  dire  results 
attending  the  strange  proceeding,  also  from  the  fact  of 
being  taken  so  wholly  unawares,  Duke  seemed  to  have 
become  bereft  of  his  usual  good  sense.  So  he  followed 
the  seemingly  friendly  advice,  and  without  even  return- 
ing to  consult  his  room  mate,  or  securing  his  effects,  of 
which  he  would  so  greatly  stand  in  need,  he  hastened  to 
the  depot  to  take  a  train  about  leaving  for  Washington. 
Purchasing  a  ticket,  he  took  his  seat  in  the  car,  thus 
silently,  swiftly  disappearing  from  the  college,  friends 
and  associations. 

Arriving  at  the  National  Capital,  he  found  a  steamer 
about  ready  to  leave,  when  he  secured  passage,  thinking 
to  go  to  sea.  But  meeting  on  board  a  young  and  pleas- 
ant appearing  man,  with  whom  he  soon  formed  acquaint- 
ance, the  latter  in  the  course  of  conversation  gave  him 
to  understand  a  permanent  and  lucrative  situation  could 
be  procured  at  one  of  the  Government  offices  at  Mont- 
gomery, Alabama,  which  city  he  said  was  his  home. 

The  offer  striking  Duke's  fancy,  was  accepted  with 
little  hesitation,  as  it  would  be  the  means  of  furnishiu"- 
him  with  a  livelihood,  of  which  he  would  soon  stand  so 
much  in  need. 

Easy  travel  soon  brought  the  young  men  to  their  des- 
tination, the  Confederate  Capital,  where  through  the  inter- 
est of  his  doubtless  well-meaning  friend,  Duke  obtained 
a  situation  in  one  of  the  Government  departments. 

It  will  without  doubt  be  at  once  surmised — as  was 
really  the  case — that  this  young  man  who  took  so  much 
apparent  interest  in  his  newly  found  acquaintance,  was 
none  other  than  one  of  those  secret  agents  sent  out  bv 
the  Confederate  Government,  who,  comprehending  with 


60  A  SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE. 

little  troable  that  Duke  could  be  used  to  much  advant- 
age, in  fact  might  be  a  notable  acquisition  to  their  cause, 
took  this  method  and  opportunity  of  securing  bis  services. 

But  what  were  Duke  Steele's  emotions  when  calmly 
reflecting  upon  this  sudden  and  unlocked  for  change  in 
his  circumstances?  His  aim  duriag  the  past  four  years, 
to  graduate  with  honors  from  one  of  the  highest  insti- 
tutions of  the  land ;  a  universal  favorite,  held  in 
the  most  generous  esteem  by  his  associates  and  fellow- 
students  ;  singularly  beloved  by  his  teachers,  who  were 
fain  to  recognize  in  him  a  coming  man  of  mark;  young, 
enthusiastic  in  his  survey  of  the  noblest  acts  of  life ; 
trusting,  hoping,  and  in  all  ways  desirous  of  leading  a 
life  of  usefulness ;  possessing  an  intense  longing  for  posi- 
tions of  honor  among  his  fellow-men  ;  and — then  too — 
his  Nelly!  Crowning  all  his  misfortunes,  this  last 
thought  came  to  him  with  crushing  force,  when  too  late 
to  recede  from  his  chosen  way. 

Having  done  no  wrong,  committed  no  unworthy  act, 
fleeing  from  calumny,  contumely,  the  scorn  of  his  fel- 
lows, cast  off,  expelled  in  ignominy  from  an  institution  he 
was  soon  to  leave  in  merited  honor,  from  all  these  imag- 
inings he  had  fled — and  for  what  ? 

Duke  Steele  was  no  ordinary  character.  Lofty  in  pur- 
pose, high  in  ambition,  knowing  he  had  done  no  wrong, 
why  should  he  have  thus  fled  ?  ,  A  convicted,  escaped 
felon  could  do  no  more.  What  excuse  could  he  bring 
for  this  unseemly  conduct  ? 

Under  the  excitement  consequent  upon  the  false  state- 
ment, followed  by  the  advice  of  his  pretended  friend, 
Ephraim  Stroud,  possessing  an  unusually  sensitive  nature, 
he  felt  he  could  not  brook  the  evident  stain  against  his 
character  and  hitherto  good  name ;  aspersions  which 
under  the  specious  pleadings  of  his  more  worldly  wise 
friend,  assumed  a  shape  of  "hideous  mien.*'  His  repu- 
tation at  stake,  he  had  turned  his  back  to  the  foe ;  rather 
than  face  danger,  he  had  ingloriously  fled ! 

A  reaction  now  taking  place  in  his  mind,  he  questioned 
whether  he  had  chosen  well  in  taking  this  course;  but 


A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE.  61 

having  once  taken,  he  would  so  abide.  As  he  had  fled, 
disappeared,  so  he  would  remain.  No  one  should  hear 
from  liim,  no  one  know  his  whereabouts ;  no,  not  even 
his  best  earthly  friend — his  mother — at  least  until  such 
time  as  he  could  return,  cleared  from  every  imputation 
of  guilt,  his  good  name  re-established. 

The  war  against  the  Union  commenced,  thus  communi- 
cation was  cut  oft',  he  was  forced  to  remain  in  his  here- 
tofore voluntary  exile,  not  long  however  entirely  unknown 
to  friends  at  home. 

A  time  came  when  he  found  himself  in  a  position  to 
more  than  repay  the  benefits  so  liberally  bestowed  upon 
him  by  his  generous  friend,  Thomas  Baxter,  thus  in  the 
end  proving  what  is  often  considered  a  hardship  a  great 
blessing. 


Let  us  return  to  Nelly  Baxter,  who  in  conversation 
with  her  father,  had  declared  her  determination  not  to 
leave  him.  After  discussing  what  had  better  be  done 
for  her  brother,  she  said  : 

"  Papa,  I've  a  secret  for  you.  Distressed  as  you  are 
on  brother  Herman's  account,  which  as  you  know  I  fully 
share,  I  have  cause  for  anxiety  still  greater.  Papa, 
Duke  Steele  and  I,  as  children,  grew  up  together,  and 
have  always,  as  I  believe,  been  strongly  attached  to  each 
other ;  in  fact,  I  cannot  remember  the  time  when  we 
were  other  than  warm  friends,  he  being  at  all  times  my 
favorite  playmate.  As  the  years  passed,  each  engaging 
in  new  and  more  stirring  scenes,  that  affection  did  not  in 
the  least  change  ;  and  when,  on  our  last  vacation,  meet- 
ing as  we  did  daily,  Duke  told  me  of  his  love,  which  I 
did  not  refuse,  on  the  contrary  accepted,  bestowing  my 
own  in  return — subject  of  course  to  your  approval — we 
mutually  agreed  to  keep  it  a  close  secret  until  our 
school-days  were  over.  A  short  time  since,  I  received  a 
letter  from  brother  Herman,  in  which  he  speaks  of  a 
conversation  held  with  Duke  confessing  much  satisfac- 
tion at  the  result,  also  at  having  Duke  for  a  brother. 


62  A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE. 

Now,  papa,  you  see  how  I  am  placed,  and  how  much 
greater  cause  I  have  for  anxiety  than  you,  as  I  have 
lost  both  brother  and  lover;  one  having  totally  disap- 
peared, the  other  the  inmate  of  a  felon's  cell.  Why, 
papa !  What  is  the  matter  ?  You  look  frightened  I 
Are  you  ill  ?  You  are  fainting  1  Let  me  get  you  a  glass 
of  wine." 

"  Never  mind,  my  darling.  It  is  nothing — the  heat  of 
the  room  or  something  of  that  sort — it  will  soon  pass." 
Then  drinking  the  wine  his  daughter  had  brought,  he 
spoke :  "  Nelly,  my  daughter,  I  am  so  sorry  for  you  1 
I  had  never  dreamed  that  you  had  any  thought  for  Duke 
other  than  as  a  brother  and  good  true  friend.  Why 
should  I  have  been  so  blind !  Nelly,  darling,  this  can 
never  be.  More  than  this  I  cannot  now  tell  yon,  but  be- 
lieve me,  it  is  as  I  say.  My  daughter,  I  have  suffered 
in  silence  a  life-long  trouble,  one  of  which  you  have 
known  nothing  and  of  which  I  hoped  to  keep  you  in 
ignorance;  and  while  I  am  aware  it  was  but  natural  you 
should  entertain  for  your  old  playmate  a  sentiment 
warmer  than  that  of  mere  friendship,  can  you,  my  dar- 
ling bear  a  great  disappointment,  one  that  will  doubtless 
cause  you  much  pain?  You  are  brave,  my  daughter, 
you  can  with  courage  submit  to  that  for  which  there  is 
no  help,  can  you  not  ?  Duke  is  a  noble  young  man, 
one  who  has  a  warm  place  in  my  affections,  second  only 
to  yourself  and  your  brother.  More  than  this  I  cannot 
now  say  ;  but  the  time  will  come  when  I  can  tell  you 
all,  then  you  will  admit  that  I  am  right." 

While  Mr.  Baxter  was  giving  utterance  to  these 
unpleasant  sentiments,  Nelly  had  stood  by  his  side,  calm 
and  composed ;  but  now  her  frame  was  shaken  by  con- 
vulsive sobs,  tears  filling  her  eyes,  until  at  length  sink- 
ing at  her  father's  feet,  the  poor  girl's  emotion  seemed 
almost  beyond  control.  However,  soon  regaining  her 
usual  collected  manner,  she  looked  up  to  his  face,  then 
replied  to  what  he  had  been  saying  in  these  words  : 

"  Papa,  what  you  have  said  grieves  me  more  than  I 
can  well  express,  yet  I  must  believe  you.     No,  I  cannot 


A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE.  63 

for  a  momeut  doubt  your  word.  I  will  be  brave  for  your 
sake,  even  more  than  for  my  own;  meantime,  striving 
to  bear  up  under  this  severe  trial,  trusting  the  time  may 
soon  come  when  you  will  be  able  to  explain  to  me  what 
now  seems  so  dark,  in  fact  incomprehensible.  But,  papa, 
let's  drop  these  foolish  affairs  of  the  heart,  and  devote 
our  whole  thought,  time  and  attention  to  the  more  im- 
portant ones ;  those  concerning  the  welfare  of  my  dear 
brother,  now  lying  in  his  cheerless  prison  cell,  for  all 
others  dwindle  to  insignificance  in  comparison.  It  is 
now,  as  you  know,  well  along  in  June.  Court  convenes 
the  tenth  of  August.  So  suppose  we  enter  into  corres- 
pondence with  John  Richardson,  of  whom  I  know  none 
more  competent.  In  fact,  I  think  he  is  considered  one  of 
the  best  lawyers  in  Richmond,  or  even  of  the  whole  State, 
for  that  matter.  Or,  papa,  would  you  rather  I  would 
write  him  ?  " 

"  I  will  leave  it  all  with  you,  my  daughter,  who,  so 
hopeful,  brave  and  strong,  are  better  fitted  to  perform  a 
service  of  this  nature.  Write  to  him  then,  stating  the 
case  as  you  think  best." 

So,  notwithstanding  this  added  weight  to  her  grief  in 
the  loss  of  a  lover  and  the  no  less  deep  anxiety  for  a  dearly 
loved  brother,  Nelly,  gathering  pen,  ink  and  paper, 
seated  herself  at  her  father's  desk  and  wrote  to  the  law- 
yer. 

Mr.  Richardson,  as  Nelly  stated,  was  a  prominent  and 
influential  lawyer.  Born,  and  having  always  lived  in 
Virginia,  he  was  thus  naturally  a  warm  supporter  of  the 
Southern  cause,  now  being  arbitrated  by  the  gage  of  bat- 
tle. He  was  at  this  time  in  the  prime  of  life,  being  no 
more  than  forty  years  of  age,  and  a  bachelor.  He  was 
not  only  an  able  lawyer,  but  a  rich  man  as  well,  inherit- 
ing the  large  estates  of  his  father.  Judge  Richardson.  He 
was  a  man  of  distinguished  personal  appearance,  his 
manner  pleasing,  of  a  kindly  and  cheerful  disposition. 

As  a  member  of  the  State  Legislature  he  had  been 
brought  into  intimate  association  with  Thomas  Baxter, 
and  knew  him  well ;  in  fact,  the  two  men  had  been  warm 


64  A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE. 

and  close  friends.  Therefore,  it  will  be  readily  seen  that 
no  one  could  have  been  more  surprised  than  he  upon 
the  receipt  of  the  letter  from  his  friend's  daughter. 

Replying  in  courteous  terms,  he  gave  Miss  Baxter  to 
understand  that  he  would  most  cheerfully  comply  with 
the  request,  and  that  they  might  look  for  him  in  the 
course  of  a  couple  of  days  at  their  home  on  the  Rappa- 
hannock. He  therefore  began  at  once  to  prepare  lor  tlie 
journey.  Summoning  his  head  clerk  and  business  man- 
ager, Henry  Dalrymple,  he  gave  him  to  understand  that 
business  of  a  pressing  nature  called  him  to  a  distant  part 
of  the  State,  and  said : 

"  I  shall  probably  be  absent  for  three  or  four  days, 
possibly  longer.  In  the  meantime,  you  will  look  after 
that  matter  involving  the  large  interests  of  our  client, 
Mrs.  Sharp.  Please  attend  thoroughly  to  the  business, 
looking  up  all  the  points  at  issue,  having  the  case  pre- 
pared for  trial  immediately  upon  my  return.  Also,  in 
regard  to  Cyrus  Jones,  who,  you  will  remember,  wrote 
us  last  week — a  plantation  school-teacher,  I  think  he 
stated,  at  the  Baxter  estate.  Examine  the  point  of  law 
on  which  he  requested  information,  mainly  concerning 
the  duties,  both  legal  and  professional,  attending  accred- 
ited agents  of  the  Confederate  Government ;  also  the 
specific  powers  conferred  upon  them  as  such  agents, 
large  numbers  of  whom,  as  1  understand,  are  being  sent 
by  the  authorities  to  different  points  in  this  and  other 
border  States. 

"  By  the  way,  Dalrymple,  answer  the  letter  received 
yesterday  from  Judge  Fosfer,  Montgomery,  Alabama. 
Say  to  him  that  matters  hereabout  are  looking  well  and 
working  satisfactorily  in  the  interests  of  the  Confederacy. 
Should  any  letters  arrive  during  my  absence  from  Mont- 
gomery, requiring  immediate  attention,  you  will  please 
answer  as  seems  to  you  best." 

Thus  saying,  Mr.  Richardson  left  the  office  for  his 
bachelor  quarters,  to  prepare  to  leave  by  stage  on  the 
following  morning  ;  which  he  did,  arriving  at  his  desti- 
nation the  evening  of  the  next  day.     Both  Mr.  Baxter 


A  SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE.  65 

and  his  daughter  having  been  apprised  of  his  coming, 
were  ready  to  meet  the  tired  traveler  with  hearty  and 
kindly  greetings. 

Shortly  afterward  he  was  shown  to  his  room,  proceed- 
ing without  delay  to  remove  the  dust  and  stains  of 
travel,  preparatory  to  a  seat  at  the  supper  table,  to  which 
he  was  soon  shown  by  a  colored  servant. 

Mr.  Richardson  was  much  shocked  at  Mr.  Baxter's 
dejected  appearance,  though,  upon  consideration,  he  felt 
it  could  scarcely  be  otherwise,  taking  into  view  the  cir- 
cumstances under  which  he  was  placed  regarding  the  sad 
condition  of  his  son.  But  how  much  greater  his  surprise 
when  beholding  the  daughter,  whom  he  had  not  before 
met  since  she  was  a  little  girl !  In  fact,  his  admiration 
for  the  lovely  maiden  had  no  bounds  ;  noticing,  as  he 
must,  that  here  was  no  ordinary  character,  for  Nelly 
seemed  to  have  emerged  at  one  bound  from  a  timid 
school-girl  to  a  woman  of  wisdom  and  experience. 

The  evening  meal  passed  pleasantly,  though  in  the 
case  of  Mr.  Baxter,  in  comparative  silence ;  he  saying 
little,  rather  listening  to  the  spirited  conversation 
between  the  noted  lawyer  and  the  bright  winsome 
hostess,  mainly  on  general  topics  of  the  day,  nothing 
being  said  concerning  the  melancholly  aftair  which  had 
been  the  cause  of  the  lawyer's  taking  the  long  journey. 

However,  Mr.  Richardson  felt  amply  repaid  for  the 
trouble  in  thus  becoming  acquainted  with  his  fair 
hostess,  whose  animated  and  cheerful  presence  banished 
from  his  mind,  for  the  time  at  least,  the  unwelcome  topic 
which  he  well  knew  must  be  taken  up  for  consideration 
on  the  morrow. 

The  hour  for  retiring  having  now  arrived,  Mr.  Richard- 
son was  shown  to  his  room  by  a  servant.  Lying  in  his 
bed  during  the  long  and  solitary  hours,  Mr.  Richardson 
could  get  little  rest;  and  though  weary  from  the  tire- 
some day's  ride,  sleep  would  not  visit  him,  his  thoughts 
constantly  tending  toward  the  daughter  of  his  old  friend. 

Cupid's  drawn  bow  had  sent  a  winged  shaft  to  his 
heart,  piercing  it  to  its  very  core.     He  had  at  last  met  a 

4 


66  A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE. 

fate  -wliich  overtakes  all,  sooner  or  later.  The  Hon. 
John  Richardson,  the  eminent  lawyer,  jurist,  statesman, 
had  fallen  irretrievably  in  love. 

While  thus  hovering  in  a  state  between  sleep  and 
wakefulness,  a  muffled  rap  came  to  his  door;  and  from 
having  neglected  the  usual  precaution  of  turning  the  key 
before  retiring,  the  intruder  upon  his  privacy,  without 
awaiting  a  reply  to  his  summons,  entered,  advancing 
boldly  into  the  room. 

At  first  supposing  it  one  of  the  servants  dispatched  by 
his  thoughtful  hostess  to  make  inquiry  as  to  his  com- 
fort, thinking  perhaps  a  further  supply  of  bedding  desir- 
able, as  the  night  was  chilly,  Mr.  Richardson  was 
thoroughly  astounded  at  beholding  the  form  and  face  of 
an  entire  stranger,  who,  advancing,  placed  a  finger  upon 
his  lips,  thus  signifying  silence,  then  seated  himself 
in  the  nearest  chair. 

"Pardon  me,"  said  the  intruder,  "for  thus  invading 
your  premises  at  this  late  hour.  My  only  excuse  is  that 
I  wish  a  few  moments'  conversation  concerning  matters 
connected  with  the  Southern  Confederacy,  of  which — as 
I  understand — you  are  a  staunch  adherent,  and  in  which 
we  are  equally  interested,  and  about  which  I  wrote  you 
a  few  days  since.  I  will  only  further  add  that  not  wish- 
ing to  detain  you  from  your  much  needed  rest,  I  would 
beg  you  to  name  a  time  in  which  during  your  stay  we 
can  meet  privately  and  unobserved,  when  I  will  submit 
subjects  and  plans  for  your  consideration,  having  for 
their  subject  the  interest  and  welfare  of  the  South. 

"  In  thus  intruding  myself  upon  your  seclusion,  I 
have  only  to  say  in  apology  that  my  name  is  Cyrus 
Jones,  that  I  am  an  accredited  agent  of  the  Confederate 
Government,  also  that  my  native  place  and  home  is  the 
city  of  Montgomery,  Alabama.  Having  many  things  to 
say  regarding  the  cause  so  dear  to  the  heart  of  every 
well-wisher  of  his  country,  I,  as  before  stated,  would  ask 
you  to  name  an  hour  the  most  convenient  to  yourself, 
say  to-morrow  evening,  when  I  will  lay  my  plans  before 
you." 


A  SmGULAR  DISAPPEARANCE.  67 

Listening  to  these  words  and  noble  sentiments  from 
the  lips  of  the  gentlemanly  and  evidently  well-informed 
stranger,  the  lawyer  became  at  once  interested,  fully 
alive  to  the  situation  and  the  possible  importance  of  the 
desired  interview. 

A  Southern  man  by  birth,  and  a  respecter  of  the  insti- 
tution of  slavery  by  education,  Mr.  Kichardsou  was  also 
an  ardent  advocate  of  Secession,  a  true  believer  in  the 
doctrine  of  State  Rights. 

Here  was  a  man  in  close  connection  and  intimate  cor- 
respondence with  the  leaders  of  the  newly  established 
Government ;  also,  an  authorized  agent,  a  man  who 
could  give  him  much  useful  and  desired  information 
regarding  the  hopes,  plans,  and  ultimate  aims  of  the 
Southern  leaders.  A  happy  stroke  of  fortune ;  unex- 
pected certainly,  but  none  the  less  welcome.  Said 
Mr.  Richardson  : 

"  I  am  truly  pleased  to  make  your  acquaintance,  also 
to  listen  to  the  loyal  words  and  sentiments  so  happily 
expressed.  I  will  willingly — I  might  say,  gladly — ac- 
cede to  your  request,  appointing  five  o'clock  to-morrow 
evening  to  meet  at  any  place  you  may  suggest." 

"  Very  well,  sir.  My  school-room  will  undoubtedly 
be  as  secluded  as  we  could  wish ;  we  will  not  be  likely 
to  meet  with  interruption,  and  we  can  thus  quietly  talk 
over  our  affairs  at  our  leisure." 

So  it  was  mutually  agreed  the  school-house  should  be 
the  place  for  a  meeting,  in  which  many  interests  involv- 
ing the  welfare  of  the  Baxter  family  would  be  discussed. 
So  bidding  the  lawyer  good-night,  with  the  hope  of  his 
enjoying  a  good  night's  rest,  Cyrus  Jones  took  leave. 

It  will  scarcely  be  considered  necessary  to  disguise  the 
fact  that  Mr.  Richardson  did  not  as  readily  fall  into  the 
trap,  so  adroitly  set  by  the  Confederate  spy,  as  was 
hoped.  On  the  contrary,  his  eyes  opened,  he  partially 
read  the  character  of  this  man,  then  formed  his  own 
conclusions  in  the  matter,  which  it  may  be  said  did  little 
credit  to  his  pretended  friend's  good  judgment.  Yet 
upon  being  left  alone,  a  prey  to  serious  reflection,  his 


68  A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE. 

mind  became  engrossed  with  thouglits  of  an  extremely 
perplexing  nature.  For  here  was  one  of  those  Confed- 
erate agents  in  the  full  confidence  of  this  unsuspecting 
family,  plotting  their  ruin — aye,  the  ruin  of  one  so  dear; 
not  only  this,  but  evidently  seeking  the  confiscation  of 
his  friend's  estate,  for  Mr.  Kichardson  well  understood 
the  designs  of  this  despicable  class  of  men. 

Should  he  lend  a  helping  hand  to  the  consummation  of 
this  great  wrong,  act  a  traitor's  part  to  those  who  so 
implicitly  placed  their  trust  in  him,  believing  him  a  true 
friend,  thus  destroying  the  great  interests  reposed  to  his 
care?  What  course  should  he  pursue,  what  measure 
take  to  arrest  this  dire  calamity  ? 

'Tis  true  his  heart  and  every  feeling  were  in  unison,  his 
every  thought  enlisted  in  the  cause  for  which  his  South- 
ern brethren  were  waging  a  bitter  and  relentless  war — 
the  overthrow  of  the  Union  of  States,  upbuilding  on 
their  ruins  a  structure  whose  foundation  should  be  the 
perpetuation  and  extension  of  slavery. 

"  Surely,"  said  he,  "  I  am  in  a  most  unhappy  plight. 
Loving  my  country,  both  readj'^  and  willing  to  make  any 
sacrifice  in  its  behalf,  at  the  same  time,  am  I  in  honor 
bound  to  sacrifice  one  of  its  most  lovelj'' daughters?  Did 
man  ever  love  his  country  so  well,  as  to  give  willing 
consent  to  lay  upon  its  altars  the  love  of  his  heart?" 

Such  were  the  troubled  reflections  of  this  man  of  law, 
as  he  tossed  upon  his  uneasy  bed  till  a  late  hour,  when 
he  dropped  off  to  slumber,  broken  by  fantastic  and  not 
wholly  pleasurable  dreams. 

Awakened  atan  early  hour  by  thesummons  to  breakfast, 
he  hurriedly  dressed,  then  proceeded  down-stairs  and  out 
of  doors.  The  morning  was  unusually  fine,  the  air  brac- 
ing. The  mists  of  the  night  were  lazily  rising  from  the 
distant  valleys,  melting,  fleeing  from  before  the  beams 
of  the  well  risen  sun ;  the  melodious  chirping  of 
birds,  in  unison  with  the  stirring  plantation  songs  of  the 
contented  negroes,  was  heard.  Yet  the  heart  of  this 
man,  on  whom  was  centred  the  hopes  and  future  weal 
of  these  dear  friends,  could  scarcely  be  said  to  beat  in 


A   SINGULAR   DISAPPEARANCE.  69 

unison  with  the  charming  scenes  surrounding  him  and 
witnessed  on  every  hand.  No,  with  him  all  was  now 
changed — from  a  contented,  cheerful,  happy  man,  he 
was  now  the  reverse. 

After  strolling  for  some  little  distance,  Mr.  Eichardson 
at  length  bethought  himself  that  breakfast  was  awaiting 
his  presence  ;  so  hastening  to  retrace  his  steps,  he  entered 
the  dining-room,  and  found  Nelly  busily  engaged  in 
superintending  the  meal.  Upon  his  appearance  she  gave 
him  kindly  greeting,  with  the  hope  that  he  had  enjoyed 
a  good  night's  rest. 

Bustling  about,  bright,  sparkling,  no  outward  signs 
betraying  the  anxiety  of  her  mind,  the  young  maiden 
presented  a  picture  which  set  the  lawyer's  heart  beating 
with  tumultuous  rapture,  so  that  his  breakfast  seemed  in 
a  fair  way  of  remaining  untouched.  However,  soon 
recalling  his  straying  faculties  to  the  task  in  hand,  he 
applied  himself  with  so  much  vigor,  that  in  the  end  he 
made  quite  a  formidable  meal,  his  walk  having  conduced 
to  a  good  appetite.  The  countenance  of  Mr.  Baxter, 
who  sat  opposite  to  him  at  the  table,  betokened  an  anx- 
ious, sleepless  night.  And  well  might  this  be  the  case, 
considering  the  position  in  which  he  was  now  placed, 
his  only  son  the  inmate  of  a  felon's  cell,  his  beloved 
daughter  compelled  to  abjure  the  love  of  one  held  so 
dear,  and  this  too  for  a  cause  he  could  not  explain — one 
in  fact  known  only  to  himself. 

The  hour  of  consultation  having  arrived,  all  repaired 
to  the  library,  where  they  were  soon  engrossed  in  the 
subject  of  such  crowning  importance,  and  in  which  their 
mutual  interests  were  so  deeply  involved. 

At  the  request  of  Mr.  Baxter,  Nelly  stated  the  case 
in  full,  placing  the  papers  in  her  possession  in  the  hands 
of  Mr.  Richardson  ;  who,  looking  them  carefully  over, 
at  length  threw  them  to  one  side,  exclaiming  : 

*'  My  friends,  this  certainly  seems  a  most  complicated, 
not  to  say  an  alarming  state  of  affairs ;  and  I  will  not 
disguise  the  fact,  that  there  are  some  points  wearing  a 
grave  aspect ;  for  instance,  the  appearance  of  the  female 


70  A  SINGULAR  DISAPPEARANCE. 

at  the  room  of  the  young  men  at  the  late  hour  mentioned, 
and  the  sudden  disappearance  of  Duke  Steele.  These 
facts,  taken  in  connection  with  the  sworn  statement  of  a 
fellow  student,  Ephraim  Stroud,  an  eye  witness,  or  par- 
tially so,  to  the  affair,  must  weigh  most  heavily  agaiust 
Herman.  My  friends,  I  must  have  time  to  study  the 
case  and,  if  possible,  solve  the  evident  mysteries  attend- 
ingit.  To  this  end,  I  will  summon  to  my  aid  a  long  known 
and  esteemed  friend,  Samuel  Jenkins,  a  lawyer  of  well 
established  repute,  a  man  of  great  ability  and  thorough  in- 
tegrity, who  stands  high  in  the  legal  profession.  Between 
us,  I  am  positive  we  will  be  able  to  clear  up  and  bring 
to  light  the  deviltry — excuse  the  undignified  expression 
— so  plainly  revealed.  But  as  a  first  step,  we  must  dis- 
cover its  author ;  for  that  there  is  some  deep-laid  plot, 
some  treacherous  scheme  at  the  bottom,  I've  not  the 
least  doubt.  Thig  scheme  it  will  be  my  endeavor  to 
unearth.  So,  cheer  up,  my  friends.  Don't  allow  your- 
selves to  become  in  the  least  disheartened,  or  give  w^ay 
to  unfounded  fears.  Best  assured  we  will  do  all  that 
lies  in  our  power  ;  and  while  I  neither  can  nor  do  believe 
your  son  guilty,  we  must  nevertheless  labor  with 
diligence,  circumspection  and  care. 

Having  settled  the  affair  as  far  as  possible  at  this 
time,"  continued  Mr.  Bichardson,  "  I  will  return  to  my 
home  on  the  morrow,  advising  youas often  as  may  seem 
necessary  as  to  our  progress." 

The  interview  was  now  brought  to  a  close  by  the 
announcement  of  dinner. 


CONFEKENCE   BETWEEN   THE  LAWYER  AND  SPY       71 


CHAPTER  YIII. 

CONFERENCE   BETWEEN   THE  LAWYER  AND  SPY. 

AT  five  o'clock,  the  hour  agreed  upon  for  the  con- 
ference between  the  lawyer  and  Confederate  agent, 
the  plantation  school-house  the  designated  point,  the 
former  took  leave  of  his  friends,  on  the  plea  of  taking  a 
stroll  through  the  neighboring  fields  and  forests,  with  the 
promise  to  return  before  nightfall. 

Little  did  either  Mr.  Baxter  or  his  daughter  suspect 
they  were  harboring  within  the  sacred  precincts  of  the 
household  a  Confederate  spy,  much  less  that  character  in 
the  person  of  Cyrus  Jones ;  who  was  even  now  in  secret 
correspondence  with  the  student  Ephraim  Stroud,  the 
alleged  friend  of  Duke  Steele  and  accuser  of  Herman, 

In  the  meantime,  the  schoolmaster  had  irretrievably 
fallen  in  love  with  the  daughter  of  his  employer ;  know- 
ing full  well  however  that  his  passion  could  in  no  wise 
be  returned  or  reciprocated,  for  did  he  at  any  time  ap- 
proach the  maiden  with  the  least  show  of  sentiment  in 
this  direction,  he  was  repelled  with  scorn.  The  actual 
facts  were  that  she  believed  him  a  rank  im poster,  the 
object  in  view  wholly  foreign  to  his  assumed  character. 

However,  his  accomplice,  Ephraim  Stroud,  was  soon 
to  appear  at  the  Baxter  plantation ;  and  even  now  waa 
close  at  hand,  his  principal  design  that  of  becoming 
acquainted  with  Miss  Nelly,  thus  adding  to  the  already 
complicated  state  of  affairs.  Having  heard  so  much  in 
praise  of  the  young  lady  and  of  the  wealth  of  her  father, 
he  determined  to  pay  court  to  the  one,  at  the  same  time 
placing  himself  in  a  position  to  gain  possession  of  the 
other ;  and  as  the  conquest  of  Nelly's  heart  might  not 
be  an  easy  task,  the  acquisition  of  her  father's  wealth 
little  less  so,  he  resolved  to  set  about  the  affair,  with  the 


72      CONFERENCE   BETWEEN   THE   LAWYER   AND   SPY. 

slirewdness  natural  to  his  character  bringing  to  bear  his 
acknowledged  persuasive  power,  to  which  end  he  would 
appear  in  person.  Another  thing  greatly  in  his  favor  lay 
in  the  fact  that  while  in  correspondence  with  his  coad- 
jutor, Cyrus  Jones,  the  two  had  never  met ;  thus  though 
working  in  complete  harmony  as  Confederate  agents, 
they  were  personally  unacquainted.  So  on  the  after- 
noon in  question,  a  well-dressed,  pleasant  appearing 
young  man  might  have  been  obseived  leisurely  walking 
up  the  avenue  to  the  Baxter  mansion,  upon  reaching 
which,  he  inquired  for  its  master. 

The  stranger  was  shown  to  the  parlor,  then  requested 
to  take  a  "  cheer,"  when  the  servant  stepped  to  the  door 
of  the  library,  acquainting  his  master  that  a  "  gemman  " 
wanted  to  see  him. 

Mr.  Baxter,  gloomy,  depressed,  evidently  in  deep  and 
troubled  thought,  scarely  noticed  the  interruption,  when 
Pomp  again  called  his  attention,  saying : 

"A  gemmen  am  in  de  pariah,  sah,  waitin'  to  see  you 
on  'portant  business,  sah.     Anyhow,  so  he  say,  sah." 

"  Well,  Pomp,  tell  the  gentleman  1  will  wait  upon  him 
directly." 

Mr.  Baxter  now  repaired  to  the  parlor,  meeting  the 
Btranger  with  a  kindly  though  scarcely  cheerful  greet- 
ing, when  the  confederate  of  the  schoolmaster  arose,  ex- 
tending a  hand  and  introducing  himself  under  the  name 
of  Charles  Tompkins.  His  face  was  disguised  by  a  false 
"beard — quite  necessary  under  the  circumstances — else  he 
would  have  been  at  once  known,  as  both  Mr.  Baxter 
and  Nelly  had  met  him  as  the  false  'accuser  and  princi- 
pal witness  on  the  occasion  of  the  examination  of  Her- 
man, 

Ephraim  Stroud,  it  is  needless  to  repeat,  like  the  major- 
ity of  Confederate  agents,  was  a  character  well  fitted 
for  the  position  assigned  him.  Bold,  thoroughly  unscru- 
pulous, yet  polished ;  possessing  a  ready  flow  of  words, 
he  could  meet  these  aristocratic  lords  of  the  soil  on  their 
own  ground  ;  wherefore  he  introduced  himself,  by  say- 
ing: 


CONFERENCE   BETWEEN   THE   LAWYER   AND  SPY,      73 

"  Sir,  I  am  a  young  man  traveling  mainly  for  pleas- 
ure, and  this  being  my  first  visit  to  your  State,  I 
thought  to  improve  the  opportunity  by  calling  upon 
some  of  its  leading  citizens — yourself,  as  I've  been  given 
to  understand,  one  of  the  foremost — and  in  thus  calling, 
allow  me  to  express  the  pleasure  one  can  but  experience 
when  being  honored  by  the  kind  reception  you  have 
deigned  to  accord  me." 

Like  the  most  of  his  class,  the  Hon.  Thomas  Baxter, 
proud  of  his  race,  as  he  had  once  said  to  his  daughter, 
was  little  averse  to  a  modicum  of  flattery,  providing 
it  was  judiciously  applied,  and  not  too  transparent.  The 
visitor  at  once  recognized  this  trait  of  his  host's  charac- 
ter, and  resolved  to  make  good  use  thereof.  Mr.  Baxter 
perceiving  in  the  stranger  a  young  man  of  education, 
gentlemanly  ways  and  pleasing  address,  gave  him  a  cor- 
dial welcome,  entreating  him  to  remain  so  long  as  he 
desired,  and  saying  that  nothing  would  be  wanting  to 
make  his  stay  both  agreeable  and  pleasant. 

Ephraim  Stroud  now  believed,  as  did  his  ally  on  a 
previous  occasion,  his  star  rising ;  and  when  taking  into 
account  his  wonderful  powers  of  fascination,  he  really 
imagined  the  young  and  doubtless  unsophisticated  coun- 
try girl  would  with  little  hesitation  fall  down  and  wor- 
ship the  "  golden  calf."  However,  our  young,  talented, 
fascinating  friend  was  ere  long  to  come  to  grief,  when  a 
generous  slice  of  his  overweening  conceit  was  to  be 
eliminated,  his  unbounded  confidence  sorely  tried. 

Mr.  Baxter  now  directed  a  colored  girl  to  call  at  his 
daughter's  room,  requesting  her  presence ;  when  soon 
thereafter  appearing,  she  was  introduced  to  the  stranger, 
who  regarded  her  with  no  less  admiration  than  did  the 
Eichmond  lawyer  on  a  previous  occasion,  though  with 
far  less  refined  and  elevated  sentiments. 

Upon  introducing  Nelly,  Mr.  Baxter  took  occasion  to 
commend  the  young  man  to  her  charge,  trusting  she 
would  see  that  all  things  were  done  tending  to  his  com- 
fort. This  was  scarcely  necessary,  as  she  was  in  the 
habit    of  sharing  her  father's  hospitable  attributes,  it 


74      CONFERENCE   BETWEEN   THE   LAWYER   AND   SPY. 

mattering  little  whether  worthy  or  the  contrary.  So  long 
as  they  remained  under  shelter  of  the  home  roof  they 
were  objects  of  consideration.  Yet  the  fact  must  be 
admitted  that  in  this  instance  Nelly  made  a  mental  reser- 
vation to  the  effect  that  she  believed  this  man  no  better 
than  the  other. 

Could  the  three  persons,  the  lawyer  and  the  two  spies, 
working  for  the  same  object,  having  a  like  end  in  view, 
each  for  himself  as  against  the  other,  have  for  a  moment 
suspected  how  little  ground  they  had  on  which  to  base 
their  hope  of  conquest,  they  would  doubtless  have  sullenly 
retired  from  the  field  disheartened,  or  else  taken  up  arms 
in  a  common  cause,  waging  bitter  warfare.  For  Nelly 
neither  did,  could,  qt  would,  under  whatsoever  circum- 
stances, entertain  sentiments  other  than  friendship  for 
the  opposite  sex,  save  for  her  old  lover,  Duke  Steele, 
who  while  lost,  would  ever  be  held  in  grateful  remem- 
brance ;  and  though  her  father  enlisted  her  filial  rever- 
ence, her  only  brother  a  sister's  devoted  love,  one  only 
could  fill  the  warmest  place  in  her  heart,  the  highest 
place  in  her  regard — and.  that  one  where?  Yet  could 
she  at  this  moment  have  fully  been  made  aware  of  the 
gravity  of  the  situation,  have  understood  the  perils  by 
which  she  was  so  surrounded,  her  already  overburdened 
heart  would  have  found  even  less  rest  than  now. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE   CONFERENCE. 

FULLY  alive  to  the  situation,  well  understanding  the 
feelings  entertained  by  Nelly,  Cyrus  Jones,  after 
long  deliberation,  had  consummated  a  scheme  whereby 
it  was  believed  he  could  accomplish  his  designs. 

As  affairs  now  stood,  these  three  allies  working  in 
harmony  in  a  political  sense,  were  socially,  thoroughly 
antagonistic. 


THE   CONFERENCE.  75 

The  hour  had  at  length  arrived  when  the  lawyer  was 
to  meet  his  unscrupulous  enemy.  So  taking  the  path 
leading  to  the  school-house,  which  he  ere  long  reached, 
Cyrus  Jones  was  found  waiting  for  the  promised  confer- 
ence. 

Commencing  the  interview  in  a  commonplace  conver- 
sation, neither  of  the  parties  seeming  to  be  in  haste  about 
approaching  a  subject  so  fully  engrossing  their  thoughts, 
and  for  which  the  meeting  had  been  arranged,  at  length 
the  spy  broached  the  question,  stating  his  position, 
avowing  himself  not  an  agent  only,  but  also  a  political 
spy  in  the  interest  of  the  Confederacy.  He  also  told  Mr. 
Richardson  of  the  plans  formed,  their  designs  and  aim — 
none  other  than  the  confiscation  of  the  estates  of  South- 
ern planters  who  were  not  only  known  to  be  in  secret 
correspondence  with  the  Abolitionists  of  the  North,  but 
even  those  who  were  suspected  of  being  friendly  to  the 
Union.  "  For,"  said  he  in  explanation,  "  those  who  are 
not  with  us  must  be  against  us." 

After  entering  into  full  explanation  of  the  course  now 
pursued  and  to  be  carried  out  in  the  future,  being  also  in 
co-operation  with  other  agents  located  in  various  sec- 
tions of  the  border  States,  he  came  directly  to  the  sub- 
ject lying  so  near  his  heart,  none  other  than  his  infatua- 
tion for  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Baxter ;  averring  that  being 
well  aware  he  could  find  not  the  least  favor  in  her  sight, 
he  intended  whenr  the  proper  time  should  arrive,  to  cap- 
ture and  take  her  to  the  far  south  ;  thus  placing  her  in 
a  compromising  position,  from  whicb  in  order  to  extricate 
herself,  she  would  doubtless  be  willing  to  accede  to  his 
demands. 

From  this  statement,  it  will  be  at  once  surmised  that 
the  spy  was  little  aware  that  the  lawyer  was  also  inter- 
ested in  securing  the  affections  of  his  employer's  daugh- 
ter, nor  was  he  acquainted  with  the  fact  that  he  and 
Mr.  Baxter  were  friends  of  long  standing,  else  he  would 
have  thought  twice  before  laying  these  rascally  plans 
before  one  so  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the 
family. 


76  THE  CONFERENCE. 

Again,  Cyrus  Jones  did  not  know  the  lawyer's  visit 
to  the  plantation  had  the  most  remote  connection  with 
the  approaching  trial  of  the  falsely  accused  son  of  his 
employer  ;  so  continuing  his  remarks,  he  said : 

"  Herman,  the  only  son  of  Mr.  Baxter,  late  a  student 
and  soon  to  graduate  from  a  New  England  institution  of 
learning,  has  been  accused  and  arrested  on  the  charge  of 
murdering  a  fellow-student  and  room  mate.  At  the  pre- 
liminary examination  the  evidence  was  of  so  conclusive 
a  nature  that  he  was  indicted,  and  bound  over  to  stand 
trial  on  the  sitting  of  the  District  Court,  which  occurs  on 
the  tenth  of  August.  From  the  sworn  statements,  if 
corroborated,  of  which  I  think  there  is  little  doubt,  the 
young  man  will  certainly  be  convicted  of  the  crime  ;  in 
which  event  I  shall  have  clear  sailing,  for  both  the  father 
and  daughter  will  then  be  completely  within  my  power." 

Upon  the  recital  of  these  heartless  and  cold-blooded  con- 
fessions from  one  who  had  been  treated  with  so  much 
consideration,  and  been  the  recipient  of  so  many  kind- 
nesses while  in  the  employ  of  his  old  esteemed  friend, 
the  indignation  of  the  lawyer  knew  no  bounds ;  and  had 
he  given  way  to  his  first  impulse,  he  would  have  taken 
the  treacherous  spy  by  the  throat,  compelling  him  by 
threats  of  the  disclosure  of  his  hellish  plans  to  forego 
these  base  designs  upon  his  friends ;  but  upon  reflection, 
the  lawyer,  believing  this  an  unwise  course,  simply  re- 
marked, in  a  careless  manner : 

"  Mr.  Jones,  how  long  have  you  known  of  these  facts, 
and  in  what  manner  did  you  become  acquainted  with 
them  ?  " 

"  Why,  you  see,  my  friend,  we  have  an  agent  at  the 
institution  in  the  guise  of  a  college  student,  who  is  at  the 
same  time  carrying  out  my  instructions  for  the  good  of 
the  cause,  you  know.  Ha !  ha !  Mr.  Eichardson,  we  are 
no  fools !  We  labor  of  course  for  the  best  interests  of 
our  employers,  at  the  same  time,  don't  propose  to  neglect 
our  own.  '  Make  hay  while  the  sun  shines,'  is  an  old, 
though  appropriate  adage,  in  our  case  at  least." 

Little  did  Cyrus  Jones  suspect  the  said  agent  and  col- 


THE   CONFERENCE.  77 

lege  student,  Epbraim  Stroud,  was  at  this  moment  lis- 
tening to  these  damaging  statements  and  the  exposure 
of  his  secrets.  Having  followed,  unsuspected,  the  law- 
yer to  the  school-house,  he  was  standing  at  this  moment 
within  a  few  feet  of  the  bold  conspirator,  his  ear  to  a 
crevice  of  the  wall,  a  listener  to  all  that  was  said. 

After  a  prolonged  conversation,  during  which  the 
astute  lawyer  drew  from  the  spy  all  the  latter  could  dis- 
close, they  separated. 

Next  morning  found  the  lawyer  in  an  uneviable  frame 
of  mind,  his  thoughts  constantly  reverting  to  his  friend's 
daughter,  placed  in  a  position  of  so  great  peril,  and  he 
about  to  leave  her,  no  friendly  hand  to  guide  or  shield 
her  from  these  evil  machinations  and  treacherous 
schemes.  He  scarcely  knew  how  to  act,  or  what  course 
to  pursue  to  ward  oft'  the  blow  destined  ere  long  to  fall 
not  only  upon  her,  but  also  her  unsuspecting  father. 

"  Should  I  explain,"  he  said  to  himself,  "  the  true  state 
of  aSairs,  learned  from  the  interview  held  with  the 
schoolmaster,  it  might  tend  to  still  further  complica- 
tions of  a  more  dangerous  character ;  while  on  the  other 
hand,  by  permitting  her  to  be  kept  in  ignorance  of  the 
designs  of  the  spy,  she  must  inevita"bly  be  left  wholly  at 
his  mercy." 

Again,  should  he  divulge  the  secrets,  Cyrus  Jones 
would  be  at  once  dismissed  from  the  service  of  Mr.  Bax- 
ter, leading  doubtless  to  some  dire  act  of  revenge  on  the 
part  of  the  spy,  thus  placing  Nelly  in  a  still  more  peril- 
ous situation.  So,  on  the  whole,  he  resolved  to  say 
nothing  about  the  affair  until  occasion  should  render  it 
important  to  make  the  disclosure. 

Breakfast  over,  and  an  anxious  farewell  spoken,  Mr. 
Richardson  again  seated  in  the  lumbering  vehicle,  started 
on  his  journey  to  the  capital,  where  he  arrived  in  due 
time.  After  taking  a  day's  rest,  we  find  him  deeply 
engrossed  in  the  affairs  of  his  friends  on  the  Rappahan- 
nock, applying  himself  with  all  the  energy  and  mental 
vigor  at  command,  to  a  case  involving  so  much  weal 
or  woe,  especially  to  the  one  in  whom  he  felt  so  unusual 


78  THE  CONFERENCE. 

an  interest.  In  this  emergency,  Mr,  Richardson  called 
upon  his  valued  friend  and  fellow  practitioner,  Samuel 
Jenkins,  for  aid. 

The  call  was  heeded  with  little  dela3^  The  lawyer 
then  laid  the  case  before  Mr.  Jenkins,  and  though  the  day 
was  late,  the  time  so  near,  he  at  once  threw  all  else  aside, 
applying  himself  with  the  utmost  energy  and  concen- 
trated vigor  to  the  case  in  hand,  which  ere  long  began 
to  assume  a  much  better  aspect. 

Mr.  Jenkins,  however,  gave  little  assurance  of  success 
unless  the  testimony  of  the  principal  witness  and  accuser, 
Ephraim  Stroud,  could  be  broken  down,  or  the  where- 
abouts of  the  alleged  victim,  Duke  Steele,  be  brought  to 
light,  "  For,"  said  he,  "  the  testimony  adduced  at  the 
preliminary  examination,  if  sustained — which  of  course 
can  only  be  broken  down  by  some  evidence,  or  the 
accuser  impeached,  which  is  scarcely  probable — must 
necessarily  stand,  in  which  event  the  friends  of  the 
accused  can  entertain  but  little  hope  of  acquittal.  Yet," 
continued  Mr.  Jenkins,  "  we  must  not  give  way  to  imag- 
inary fears.  On  the  contrary,  assume  a  bold  front,  waging 
fierce  unrelenting  warfare,  taking  advantage  of  every 
vulnerable  point  in  the  enemy's  armor,  laying  down  our 
weapons  only  when  fairly  beaten.  Again,  that  telling 
most  heavily  against  us  in  the  coming  strife  lies  in  the 
fact  that  our  client  is  a  Southern,  man,  the  son  of  a  slave- 
owner, and  as  you  are  aware,  friend  Richardson,  all  slave- 
holders are  by  the  North  classed  as  Secessionists,  no 
matter  what  their  political  opinions.  This,  Mr.  Ricliard- 
son,  is  the  point  on  which  I  am  fain  to  place  the  greatest 
stress:  Northern  prejudice — I  might  add.  Northern 
fanaticism — arrayed  in  opposition  to  Southern  sentiment 
and  her  cherished  institutions,  and  you  may  well  believe 
me  when  I  aver  that  on  the  coming  trial  you  will  find 
more  bitter,  I  will  say  hostile  feeling,  arise  from  this 
source,  than  from  the  actual  guilt  or  innocence,  as  the 
case  may  be,  of  the  accused;  the  former  having  in  my 
opinion  far  greater  weight  with  both  judge  and  jury, 
backed  as  it  will  be  by  popular  prejudice." 


THE   CONFERENCE.  79 

The  day  set  for  the  trial  was  near  at  hand.  Mean- 
time, Mr.  Baxter  was  bnsily  engaged  in  making  the 
necessary  preparations  looking  to  a  protracted  absence 
from  his  home  for  both  himself  and  his  brave  loyal 
daughter.  Gloomy  forebodings  and  troublous  thoughts 
filled  his  mind  to  the  exclusion  of  all  else,  particularly 
to  those  of  a  cheering  and  hopeful  nature,  it  requiring 
the  utmost  energies  of  Nelly  to  in  any  wise  counteract 
them. 

Court  was  to  sit  on  the  tenth  of  August,  so  the  morn- 
ing of  the  sixth  witnessed  the  setting  out  of  our  friends 
on  the  gloomy  and  dispiriting  journey. 

The  counsel  for  the  accused,  the  Hon.  John  Eichard 
son,  accompanied  by  his  able  assistant,  Samuel  Jenkins, 
left  the  capital  city  for  the  scene  of  future  operations  on 
the  same  day,  the  former  in  scarcely  a  less  enviable 
frame  of  mind  than  his  bereaved  employer. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE   GOVERNMENT   CLERK. 

AT  a  large  and  handsome  desk,  in  a  finely  appointed 
office,  sat  a  young  man  busily  engaged  in  writing. 
The  farnishings  of  the  apartment  were  something  out  of 
the  usual  run  of  business  offices,  therefore  may  well  merit 
a  slight  description.  The  floors  covered  with  Brussels 
carpet ;  the  furniture  of  rosewood  and  mahogany,  uphol- 
stered in  velvet  and  plush  ;  a  massive  sofa,  beautifully 
carved,  occupying  a  considerable  space  on  one  side  of  the 
room,  while  on  the  walls  were  to  be  seen  a  choice  collec- 
tion of  paintings  ;  the  ceilings  frescoed  with  brilliant  yet 
harmonious  coloring. 

This  office  is  located  in  one  of  the  largest  buildings 
on  the  south  and  fronting  a  handsome  public  square, 
near  to  the  business  centre  of  the  city  of  Montgomery. 

The  occupant  seems  in  appearance  in  thorough  bar- 


80  THE   GOVERNMENT   CLERK. 

mony  with  the  appointments  and  furnishings  of  the 
apartment.  In  person  well  formed,  hair  light  and  curl- 
ing, eyes  blue,  an  unusually  expressive  and  pleasing  coun- 
tenance, yet,  from  in-door  confinement,  his  face  some- 
what bleached ;  still  he  was  one  who  would  naturally 
attract  attention  under  all  circumstances. 

So  entirely  absorbed  in  his  work  was  he,  that  he 
scarcely  noticed,  or  if  so,  gave  no  heed  to  the  entrance 
of  a  visitor ;  however,  the  rustling  of  a  silk  dress 
attracting  his  attention,  he  turned,  beholding  a  vision  of 
loveliness  scarcely  before  dreamed  possible. 

The  lady — for  such  she  evidently  was — lifted  the  veil 
covering  her  face;  then  apologized  for  the  intrusion, 
remarking: 

"Sir,  I  am  the  daughter  of  Judge  Foster  of  this  city, 
lately  returned  from  school,  where  I  have  spent  the  past 
four  years,  at  a  ladies'  seminary  in  Richmond,  Virginia. 
Having  learned  from  my  father  that  a  gentleman  by  the 
name  of  Duke  Steele,  whose  home  is  at  the  village  of 
Oxford  in  that  State,  was  employed  in  this  office,  and 
presuming  you  the  gentleman  in  question,  I  have  taken 
the  liberty — unwarranted  it  may  be — of  calling  for  the 
purpose  of  making  inquiry  of  a  very  dear  schoolmate, 
whose  home  is  adjacent  to  the  village  referred  to.  To 
be  more  precise,  I  will  further  state  that  the  name  of  the 
young  lady  is  Nelly  Baxter.  Furthermore,  having  heard 
nothing  from  her  for  a  long  time,  as  she  left  school  for  a 
week's  vacation  at  her  home,  without  making  excuse  or 
returning  as  she  had  intended,  to  finish  her  term,  I  feel 
a  good  deal  of  anxiety,  fearing  she  may  have  been  taken 
ill,  or  some  other  thing  happened,  compelling  her  absence, 
as  I  know  she  felt  much  interested  in  the  closing  exer- 
cises, in  which  she  was  expected  to  take  part  as  one  of 
the  graduating  class.  Are  you,  sir,  acquainted  with 
the  young  lady  ?  " 

Upon  hearing  these  words,  the  young  man  started 
from  his  seat  in  mute  surprise  and  no  little  agitated. 

"  You  an  acquaintance  of  Nelly  Baxter  1  You  her 
schoolmate  I  "  ejaculated  he,  in  tones  of  so  much   won- 


THE   GOVERNMENT   CLERK.  81 

der  that  the  young  lady  regarded  him  with  a  look,  as 
saying,  "  Aha,  my  friend,  I've  struck  the  keynote  this 
timel" 

"  No,  Miss  Foster,  I  can  give  you  no  information  in 
regard  to  the  lady  of  whom  you  speak,  as  I've  not  heard 
from  her  since  coming  to  this  city  some  months  since  ; 
in  fact,  no  correspondence  has  passed  between  myself 
and  any  person  in  that  State," 

Carrie  Foster,  the  only  daughter  of  the  eminent  judge, 
knowing  of  the  attachment  existing  between  Thomas 
Baxter's  daughter  Nelly  and  the  young  man  with  whom 
she  was  now  conversing,  had  learned  from  her  father,  as 
she  had  said,  that  Duke  Steele  was  in  the  Government 
employ  at  Montgomery  ;  and  believing  the  opportunity 
had  now  arrived  when  she  would  be  able  to  place  her- 
self on  an  even  footing  with  her  former  school  rival,  who 
had  always  received  the  honors  to  which  she  really 
believed  herself  legitimately  entitled,  this  young  lady, 
petted  by  her  teachers,  flattered  and  held  up  before  the 
whole  school  as  a  model  for  the  other  girls  to  follow — 
yes,  she  would  now  get  even  with  her ! 

"  What  a  stroke  of  fortune  !  I  will  flatter  this  young 
gentleman  to  his  heart's  content — he  looks  as  if  it  would 
agree  with  him.  Yes,  and  more,  he  shall  fall  in  love  with 
Judge  Foster's  elegant,  fascinatingdaughter,  and  when  that 
is  an  accomplished  fact,  pooh  I  it's  such  an  easy  matter  to 
throw  that  fine  fellow  overboard,  as  I've  so  often  done,  and 
I've  never  found  one  yet  but  could  swim.  They  like  to 
win  hearts  just  for  the  pleasure  of  breaking  them. 
Wliat's  sauce  for  the  goose,  etc.  "We  shall  see  if  Miss 
Nelly  Baxter  don't  rue  the  day  she  usurped  the  place 
my  due,  I  the  only  daughter  of  one  of  the  foremost 
judges  of  Alabama,  while  her  father  is  simply  a  Vir- 
ginia planter." 

Thus  soliloquised  this  beautiful,  truly  fascinating, 
though  wholly  unprincipled  maiden,  who,  as  these 
thoughts  passed  rapidly  through  her  mind — a  few  min- 
utes'silence  intervening — stood  motionless,  until  at  length 
she  gave  the  young  man  a  cordial  invitation  to  call  upon 
6 


82  THE   GOVERNMENT   CLERK. 

her  at  her  home  whenever  convenience  or  inclination 
might  dictate,  closing  the  interview  by  the  remark : 

"  As  you  are  a  friend  of  my  dear  Nelly  Baxter,  I  shall 
look  upon  you  as  almost  an  old  acquaintance  ;  so  come 
round — don't  be  formal." 

Thanking  her  for  the  invitation  so  very  generously 
extended — at  the  same  time  wondering  why,  and  at  a  loss 
to  understand  the  meaning  of  the  daughter  of  so  dis- 
tinguished a  citizen  manifesting  so  great  an  interest  in 
the  welfare  of  an  humble  Government  clerk — Duke 
expressed  his  satisfaction  in  words  suited  to  the  occasion, 
saying  he  would  be  only  too  happy  to  avail  himself  of 
the  privilege  so  frankly  accorded,  especially  when  making 
the  acquaintance  of  citizens  of  such  unwonted  social  as 
well  as  political  standing. 

It  is  possible  there  might  have  been  a  light  vein  of 
sarcasm  underlying  the  words,  yet  scarcely  probable ; 
for  Duke  Steele  was  of  a  highly  susceptible  nature,  one 
of  those  characters  in  whom  chivalry  toward  the  oppo- 
site sex  was  thoroughly  developed,  and  a  warm  defender 
of  their  rights  ;  and  had  it  have  been  his  fortune  to  be 
born  several  centuries  earlier  he  would  have  no  doubt 
emulated  Don  Quixiote  in  his  chivalrous  undertakings. 

Owing  to  the  disturbed  condition  of  both  sections  of 
the  country  there  were  at  this  time  no  mails,  in  fact, 
little  communication  with  the  North ;  therefore  it  will 
be  readily  seen  that  Duke  could  have  heard  nothing 
concerning  the  fate  of  his  friend  Herman,  much  less  the 
perilous  situation  in  which  he  was  placed.  Neither  had 
news  of  any  kind  reached  him  from  his  old  home.  Even 
his  mother  knew  nothing  of  his  whereabouts.  In  fact, 
with  scarcely  an  exception — and  that  Nelly — everybody 
believed  him  the  victim  of  his  friend  Herman's  wrath. 

How  quickly  would  he  have  flown  to  Herman's  res- 
cue had  he  been  aware  of  his  precarious  situation !  Aye, 
this  victim  of  an  inhuman  conspiracy  would  have  found 
in  Duke  a  ready  champion,  for  not  a  moment  would 
have  been  allowed  to  pass  ere  he  was  on  his  way  to 
defend  the  honor  and  good  fame  of  his  troubled  friend. 


THE   GOVERNMENT  CLERK.  83 

Carrie  Foster,  on  the  other  hand,  well  knew  the  cir- 
cumstances attending  Herman's  arrest,  but  to  have  dis- 
closed them  to  Duke  Steele  would  have  seriously  disar- 
ranged her  well  laid  plans,  if  not  entirely  disposed  of  her 
infamous  schemes.  As  self  with  the  young  lady  was 
the  one  absorbing  passion,  all  others  must  give  way,  no 
matter  of  how  urgent  a  nature. 


CHAPTER   XI. 

HERMAN  SENTENCED  TO  DEATH. 

A  FEW  days  having  been  pleasantly  passed  at  the 
Baxter  plantation,  Ephraim  Stroud  disappeared 
as  suddenly  as  he  had  previously  appeared,  disclosing  to 
no  one  his  intentions.  Cyrus  Jones  still  remained  in 
ignorance,  never  for  a  moment  suspecting  the  identity  of 
the  one  with  whom  he  had  for  so  long  a  time  been  in 
close  though  secret  correspondence.  He  gave  him  no 
further  thought,  other  than  in  wonderment  why  he 
should  have  departed  without  in  tlie  least  acknowledg- 
ing his  host's  kind  and  thoughtful  attentions. 

The  schoolmaster  had,  with  all  his  skilled  arts  of 
intrigue  and  diplomacy,  at  last  met  his  match ;  one  who 
while  equally  schooled  in  both  the  alcove  accomplish- 
ments, was  evidently  possessed  of  a  lesser  degree  of 
treachery.  However,  we  will  for  a  time  leave  these  evil 
disposed  characters,  and  direct  attention  to  our  friend 
Thomas  Baxter,  who  in  company  with  his  daughter,  had 
after  a  tedious  journey,  reached  the  point  where  was 
soon  to  be  enacted  a  scene  scarcely  paralleled  in  the 
annals  of  modem  jurisprudence. 

The  morning  of  the  tenth  of  August  at  length  arrived, 
the  eventful  period  so  long  and  anxiously  awaited.  To 
the  world,  it  opened  bright  and  joyous ;  to  our  sorely  tried 
friends,  cheerless.  Clouds  of  crimson  and  gold  heralded 
the  rising  sun,  its  beaming  rays  to  some  glad  messengers 


84         HERMAN  SENTENCED  TO  DEATH. 

of  hope,  to  others  sadness  and  dread.  The  first  to  tho.se 
who  had  naught  to  fear  from  the  well  concealed  treachery 
and  deceit  of  their  fellow-men  ;  the  latter  to  those  unfor- 
tunate ones  so  nearly  bereft  of  hope. 

The  hour  draws  near  for  the  assembling  of  court. 
Citizens  by  tlie  score  are  seen  wending  their  way  to 
the  halls  of  justice,  while  unusual  multitudes  from  the 
country  round  about,  attracted  by  the  strange  spectacle, 
are  hastening  along  the 'avenues  leading  to  the  city  hall ; 
some  in  elaborate  turnouts,  others  in  nondescript  vehicles, 
the  grocery  wagon,  butcher's  cart  and  farmer's  wagon, 
filled  with  curious  groups,  hurrying  on,  while  country- 
men on  horse  back,  clad  in  homespun,  ride  in  liot  haste. 

The  plow  is  silent  and  motionless  in  the  furrow;  the 
blacksmith's  hammer  no  longer  rings  out  in  cheery  tones  ; 
the  peripatetic  vender  of  notions,  whose  brazen  horn  is 
wont  to  echo  down  the  busy  thoroughfare,  is  now  a  silent 
spectator  of  the  scene  ;  in  fine,  the  every  day  vocations 
of  life  are  suspended  as  of  secondary  importance  to  the 
spectacle  of  a  human  life  in  jeopardy. 

The  clock  in  the  high  church  tower  peals  in  solemn 
tones.  Upon  the  appearance  of  the  prisoner  the  entire 
audience  arose  as  if  by  preconcerted  movement,  greeting 
him  with  rounds  of  applause,  thus  evidencing  that  what- 
soever opinion  might  be  entertained  as  to  his  guilt  or 
innocence,  his  dignified  bearing  and  modest  demeanor 
told  largely  in  his  favor. 

Turning  and  anxiously  scanning  the  vast  multitude, 
his  eyes  at  length  rested  on  the  faces  of  his  father  and 
sister ;  who  in  turn  gazed  on  the  one  who  so  largely 
occupied  their  thoughts,  the  latter  greeting  him  by  fond 
looks  and  affectionate  smiles,  the  former  with  affection 
tempered  with  melancholy. 

And  now  all  things  being  in  readiness,  the  first  case 
on  the  docket,  the  State  vs.  Herman  Baxter,  was  called 
by  the  clerk  of  the  court.  The  preliminaries  common 
to  similar  occasions  concluded,  the  prosecuting  attorney 
arose,  taking  position  facing  the  jury. 

"Gentlemen  of  the  jury,"  said  he,  "the  case  to  be 


HERMAN  SENTENCED  TO  DEATH.         85 

tried,  according  to  evidence  presented  for  your  considera- 
tion, demands  strict  attention,  calm  and  disinterested 
judgment.  In  fact,"  continued  the  counsel,  "  I  may  say 
the  case  is  one  of  the  utmost  importance,  not  only  to 
ourselves  and  the  vast  multitude  gathered  here,  but  to 
the  entire  community,  who  are  alike  interested  in  mat- 
ters of  law  and  order  ;  and  I  will  further  say,  the  object 
and  enforcement  of  the  penalties  attached  to  crime  in  its 
general  degrees,  is  not  so  much  for  the  punishment  of 
the  guilty,  as  protection  to  the  innocent — in  short,  to 
fully  recognize  the  value  placed  on  human  life.  When 
you  lie  down  at  night,  or  go  abroad  by  day  in  the  exer- 
cise of  your  various  duties,  you  are  to  be  protected  in 
the  enjoyment  of  your  natural  rights.  This  the  law 
is  presumed  to  do.  Thus  your  desire  at  all  times  is  the 
satisfaction  of  knowing  that  it  stands  ever  ready  with  its 
safeguards  thrown  about  your  person  and  property, 
affording  that  protection  to  the  life,  limb,  and  proprie- 
tary interests  of  every  well  disposed  citizen.  The  only 
known  method  of  fulfilling  or  accomplishing  the  desired 
end,  is  to  mete  to  the  guilty  the  punishment  prescribed 
by  law.  As  the  '  rain  falls  on  the  unjust,  as  well  as  on 
the  just,'  so  in  like  manner  does  the  law  throw  its  pro- 
tection around  every  person,  who  must  be  presumed 
innocent  until  proven  guilty. 

"You  will  therefore  please  pay  strict  attention  to  the 
evidence  in  the  case  introduced  by  both  prosecution  and 
defence,  and  that  you  may  the  more  clearly  understand 
the  position  taken  by  the  State,  I  will  briefly  outline  the 
course  to  be  pursued,  presenting  the  facts  as  far  as  they 
have  come  to  our  knowledge,  which  facts  we  shall  attempt 
to  prove  by  thoroughly  reliable  witnesses.  I  will  also 
outline  the  theory,  thus  showing  the  probable  cause  of 
the  crime  and  why  committed. 

"  It  seems  that  on  a  certain  evening  in  the  month  of 
May  last,  the  accused,  with  his  friend  and  room  mate, 
while  at  their  tables  in  their  college  room,  either 
studying,  writing  or  reading,  were  suddenly  interrupted 
by  a  knock  at  the  door,  which  upon  being  opened  dis- 


86         HERMAN  SENTENCED  TO  DEATH. 

closed  a  female  who  at  once  entered,  advancing  to  where 
the  young  men  were  sitting.  When  accosted  with  the 
question,  '  What  do  you  want  ?  '  she  replied,  '  Nothing.' 
Then  followed  the  scene  which  will  hereafter  be  detailed 
by  an  eye  witness  to  the  affair,  called  to  prove  the  above 
statements. 

"Before  doing  this,  however,  I  will  take  occasion  to 
state  the  theory  of  the  prosecution,  briefly  this  :  That  a 
female,  presumably  a  woman  of  the  town,  with  whom 
both  the  young  men  had  been  intimate,  neither  one 
suspecting  the  other,  appeared  at  their  room.  An  alter- 
cation ensued,  when  the  accused,  overcome  with  shame, 
rage  and  jealousy,  struck  the  victim  a  blow  with  a 
bar  of  iron,  since  found  hidden  in  the  apartment,  caus- 
ing him  to  fall  lifeless  to  the  floor ;  when  remorse, 
coupled  with  fear  of  detection,  led  him  some  time  during 
the  night  to  remove  the  dead  body,  either  burying  it  in 
some  remote  secluded  place  or  sinking  it  in  the  river. 

"  As  thorough  search  has  been  made,  the  river  dragged 
without  revealing  the  remains,  it  is  presumed  measures 
have  been  taken  in  their  disposal  tending  to  make  further 
disclosure  doubtful. 

"  The  first  and  principal  witness  we  shall  call  in  evi- 
dence of  the  facts  presented,  as  also  the  theory  advanced, 
is  a  fellow-student,  Ephraim  Stroud,  who  will  please 
come  forward  and  be  sworn." 

Upon  this  summons,  the  young  man  took  a  seat  on 
the  witness  stand,  when  the  oath  was  duly  administered. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  on  the  occasion  of  this 
man  visiting  tlie  Baxter  plantation,  he  was  in  disguise, 
going  under  an  assumed  name,  so  that  upon  his  appear- 
ance now,  neither  Nelly  nor  her  father  in  the  least  sus- 
pected him  of  being  one  whom  they  had  so  hospitably 
entertained. 

After  the  usual  interrogatories  as  to  residence,  name 
and  occupation,  Stroud  made  substantially  the  same 
statement  as  outlined  by  the  president  of  the  college  in 
the  letter  to  Mr.  Baxter. 

Corroborative  evidence  was  furnished  in  the  person  of 


HERMAN   SENTENCED   TO   DEATH.  87 

a  poor  half-witted  lad,  in  the  employ  of  the  students, 
performing  menial  work  about  the  college  rooms,  who 
testified  to  nearly  the  same  facts  as  the  preceding 
"witness. 

Every  effort  made  by  defendant's  counsel  in  cross-ex- 
amination failing  to  shake  the  testimony  of  either,  the 
certainty  of  the  prisoner's  guilt  was  deemed  conclusive. 

The  plea  now  put  forth  and  urged  with  all  the  power 
he  could  command  by  the  prisoner's  counsel,  was  not  only 
in  striving  to  establish  his  former  unexceptional  char- 
acter and  unblemished  reputation,  it  being  deemed  an 
utter  impossibility  that  he  could  have  been  led  to  com- 
mit a  crime  of  such  magnitude  ;  yet  if  this  were  really 
the  case,  there  must  have  been  sufficient  provocation,  or 
else  it  was  done  in  self-defense. 

This  theory,  however,  it  is  needless  to  say,  at  once  fell 
to  the  ground,  there  having  been  no  eye  witness  to  the 
affair,  other  than  the  alleged  female  ;  who,  according  to 
Stroud's  testimony,  must  have  been  present.  But  she 
had  hopelessly  disappeared.  Therefore,  circumstantial 
evidence  only  could  be  brought  to  bear  to  sustain 
defendant's  theory. 

The  examination  concluded,  the  state's  attorney  made 
a  lengthy  argument,  carrying  conviction  to  both  court 
and  jury.  He  indulged  in  few  sophistries,  and  less  ora- 
torical effects,  basing  his  argument  on  the  evidence  of 
Ephraim  Stroud,  and  his  co-partner  in  falsehood,  the 
janitor. 

The  Hon.  John  Richardson  now  came  forward  to  plead 
for  the  life  of  the  son  of  his  old  friend.  Taking  stand 
in  front  of  the  jury,  it  at  once  became  noticeable  that 
something  out  of  the  usual  run  had  happened  to  the 
eminent  lawyer,  as  he  appeared  feeble,  careworn  and 
dejected.  His  address  was  commenced,  but  in  a  hesitat- 
ing, disjointed  manner,  until  after  having  uttered  a  few 
brief  sentences,  his  form  was  seen  to  sway,  until  at  length 
he  fell  helpless  to  the  floor. 

He  was  immediately  lifted  in  strong  arms,  and  borne 
from  the  room  by  two  court  officers,  followed  by  surprised 


88         HERMAN  SENTENCED  TO  DEATH. 

glances  from  the  spectators,  and  the  no  less  indignant 
ones  of  both  Mr.  Baxter  and  his  astonished  daughter, 
who  now  believed — as  was  truly  so — the  case  hopeless. 

At  this  juncture,  the  colleague  of  Mr.  Eichardson, 
Samuel  Jenkins,  came  forward,  briefly  apologizing  for  his 
friend  on  the  plea  of  being  overcome  by  heat,  and  the 
foul  air  of  the  crowded  hall.  Taking  stand,  as  his  asso- 
ciate had  previously,  in  front  of  the  jury,  he  began  a 
plea,  energetic,  forcible,  and  of  masterly  argument,  realiz- 
ing the  unwonted  stake  at  issue  and  that  the  fate  of  his 
client  now  rested  in  his  hands.  However,  the  tide  had 
set  too  powerfully  against  him  to  be  overcome  ;  the  plea 
came  too  late,  as  the  sentiment  of  judge  and  jury, in  fact 
the  whole  people,  opposed  him. 

Closing  the  address,  he  took  a  seat,  the  entire  audience 
remaining  in  breathless  suspense,  until  at  length  the 
judge  arose,  commencing  his  charge  to  the  jury  mainly 
by  way  of  bringing  to  their  notice  points  of  law  appli- 
cable to  the  case  that  might  otherwise  prove  more  or  less 
obscure  to  their  dull  comprehension. 

The  sheriff  leading  the  way,  the  jurymen  left  their 
seats,  filing  out  to  hold  consultation  ;  when  after  no  more 
than  a  half-hour's  delay,  they  returned,  again  resuming 
their  former  places.     The  judge  addressing  them,  said  : 

"Gentlemen  of  the  jury,  have  you  reached  a  verdict 
in  the  case  just  tried,  the  State  vs,  Baxter?  " 

The  foreman,  rising,  responded  : 

"  We  have,  your  honor." 

Then  he  handed  the  judge  a  sealed  packet,  who  passed 
it  to  the  clerk,  when  that  officer  opening  it,  read  aloud 
the  following  verdict : 

"  We,  the  jury  in  the  case,  the  State  vs.  Herman  Bax- 
ter, on  the  charge  of  murder,  do  unanimously  find  a  true 
verdict  against  defendant,  of  murder  in  the  first  degree." 

Upon  hearing  the  verdict,  Nelly  Baxter  sprang  to  her 
feet,  in  piteous  accents  crying,  "  It's  false,  it's  false ! " 
Then  she  sank,  panting  and  exausted.  The  long  mental 
strain  had  been  more  than  the  poor  girl  could  bear.  Nelly 
was  at  once  removed  from  the  court-room,  attended  by 


HERMAN  SENTENCED  TO  DEATH.  89 

gentle  loving  hands,  followed  bj  her  broken-liearted 
father  and  the  lively  sympathies  of  the  audience. 

The  judge,  attired  in  robes  of  black,  now  ordered  the 
condemned  man  to  rise,  afterwards  addressing  him  in  the 
customary  manner : 

"  Prisoner  at  the  bar,  you  have  been  tried  by  a  jury 
of  your  peers,  and  what  little  evidence  has  been  here 
adduced  in  your  favor  has  failed  to  outweigh  or  shake 
that  of  the  prosecution ;  thus  you  are  adjudged  guilty 
by  a  jury  sworn  to  do  their  whole  duty,  a  jury  doubtless 
fully  competent,  who  after  taking  adequate  time  for  its 
fulfillment,  declare  you  guilty  of  the  greatest  of  all 
earthly  crimes — murder — the  penalty — death.  "What 
have  you,  sir,  to  say  why  sentence  should  not  be  pro- 
nounced upon  you  ?  " 

"Your  honor,"  replied  the  undismayed  Herman,  "I 
have  but  little  to  say.  Yet  as  there  is  a  just  God,  stand- 
ing as  I  do  in  the  shadow  of  death,  before  whom  you 
and  I  must  some  day  meet,  I  solemnly  protest  my  inno- 
cence of  the  crime,  also  against  the  great  wrong  done. 
And  I  will  only  further  add  that  the  testimony  of  the 
principal  witness,  Ephraim  Stroud,  is  false — yea,  more- 
over, false  as  hell,  sir ;  and  if  I  go  to  my  death,  my 
blood  rests  upon  his  hands — my  last  words,  as  there  is  a 
God  in  heaven,  who  will  be  my  judge,  I  am  innocent." 

"  Prisoner  at  the  bar,"  said  the  judge,  "  it  now  only 
remains  for  me  to  pronounce  upon  you  the  sentence  pre- 
scribed by  law.  You  will  be  taken  from  this  place  to 
your  cell  within  the  County  Jail,  there  to  remain  in  soli- 
tary confinement  until  the  fourteenth  day  of  September, 
then  between  the  hours  of  ten  in  the  morning  and  four 
in  the  afternoon,  you  will  suffer  the  penalty  of  your 
crime,  being  hung  by  the  neck  until  you  are  dead — 
dead,  and  may  God  have  mercy  on  your  soul !  " 

Thus  ended  this  trial,  which  had  so  aroused  the  feel- 
ings of  the  community  ;  some  in  sympathy  for  the  con- 
demned youth,  others  believing  the  sentence  just ;  while 
the  majority  of  the  people  cared  little  concerning  the 
outcome  of  the  trial,  other  than  that  it  furnished  food 


90         HERMAN  SENTENCED  TO  DEATH. 

for  gossip,  only  too  glad  for  something  stirring  and  out 
of  tlie  usual  run  of  aftairs  to  talk  about. 

The  prisoner  was  again  conveyed  to  the  jail,  where  he 
was  placed  in  solitary  confinement,  under  close  and  strict 
guard,  until  the  arrival  of  the  not  distant  day  when  he 
would  be  led  forth  to  execution. 

Before  leaving  for  their  home  on  the  Eappahannock, 
his  father  and  sister  called  to  bid  him  farewell,  Nelly 
taking  occasion  to  whisper  in  his  ear  : 

"  My  dear  brother,  be  of  good  cheer.  I  will  surely 
contrive  in  some  way  to  cheat  the  gallows  of  its  victim, 
and  these  bloodthirsty  people  the  sight  to  which  they 
look  forward  with  so  much  satisfaction.  So  don't  be 
downhearted  !  your  sister  will  bring  you  rescue  1  Keep 
up  good  courage !  " 

Then  throwing  her  arms  about  his  neck,  she  kissed 
him  good-bye. 

The  war  on  the  Union,  was  now  in  vigorous  prog- 
ress. Here  was  a  victim.  Let  him  escape  the  penalty 
due  to  Ills  father's  sins?     Perish  the  thought  1 

If  these  Southern  brethren  could  be  thus  brought  to 
their  very  doors,  was  it  not  much  easier  than  to  be  com- 
pelled to  hunt  them  on  their  own  soil,  "  musket  on 
shoulder,"  through  the  mountains  and  valleys  of  Vir- 
ginia, letting  alone  the  great  danger? 

The  Richmond  lawyers  also  took  their  departure  for 
their  homes.  But  what  were  the  feelings  of  the  Hon. 
John  Richardson,  who  could  now  look  upon  himself 
only  as  the  main  cause  of  his  client's  defeat?  Had  he 
shown  himself  a  man  in  this,  the  most  critical  moment 
of  his  friend's  career,  when  so  much  depended  upon  hi^ 
well-known  reputation  as  a  skilled  advocate,  he  might 
have  borne  the  outcome  of  the  trial  with  some  show  of 
resignation. 

What  would  Nelly,  the  innocent  cause  of  his  down- 
fall, think  of  him  ?  She  could  only  regard -him  in  the 
light,  not  so  much  perhaps  as  a  false  friend,  but  an 
extremely  weak  one ;  in  fact,  '*  despise  "  would  be  a  word 
most  applicable  in  his  case. 


HEKMAN  SENTENCED  TO  DEATH.  91 

The  journey  of  our  friends  to  their  homes  was  quite 
uneventful.  Nelly  at  once  regained  her  usual  self-con- 
tained manner  and  cheerful  spirits,  setting  herself  at  work 
studying  some  plan  whereby  her  brother  could  be  saved 
the  degradation  of  the  gallows,  at  the  same  time  striving 
by  all  the  means  lying  in  her  power  to  keep  her  father 
from  utterly  sinking  under  the  terrible  blow,  the  impend- 
ing fate  of  his  son,  it  seeming  indeed  at  this  time  as  if 
no  earthly  power  could  avail  to  stay  the  calamity. 

After  several  days'  cogitation  and  deep  thought,  the 
brave  girl  came  running  one  morning  to  her  father's 
room,  where  the  old  gentleman  sat  brooding  over  his 
misfortune,  crying  out  in  loud  joyous  tones  : 

"  Papa,  grieve  no  longer!  I've  discovered  a  way  to 
save  the  life  of  brother  Herman.  It  can  and  shall  be 
done.  So,  papa,  cheer  up  I  Only  rely  upon  your  faith- 
ful daughter,  who  has  never  hitherto  failed  you  in  time 
of  need." 

From  this  time  on,  Nelly  went  about  her  daily  duties, 
happy  in  spirit  and  contented  in  mind. 

Thus  the  days  flew  swiftly  by,  each  bringing  nearer 
the  dreaded  day  set  for  the  public  execution  of  her 
brother. 

The  twelfth  day  of  September  had  at  length  arrived. 
Meantime,  workmen  were  busily  engaged  in  the  work  of 
erecting  a  scaffold,  in  a  remote  corner  of  the  jail,  at  some 
little  distance  from  the  prisoner's  cell.  This  was  located 
on  the  first  or  ground  floor,  the  stoutly  barred  windows 
overlooking  the  prison  yard,  placed  high  in  the  solid 
stone  wall ;  however,  scarcely  difficult  of  access  to  one 
standing  on  a  moderately  tall  ladder. 

At  about  the  hour  of  ten  on  the  following  evening, 
while  pacing  back  and  forth  on  his  lonely  beat,  his  every 
thought  engrossed  on  the  coming  event  now  so  near  at 
hand,  wondering  the  while  what  had  become  of  the 
alleged  victim,  Duke  Steele,  and  if  anything  of  a  serious 
nature  had  really  befallen  him,  Herman's  attention  was 
suddenly  attracted  by  a  noise  proceeding  from  the  grated 
window,    evidently   some   one   gently   tapping   thereat. 


92  HERMAN   SENTENCED  TO   DEATH, 

Keeping  his  eyes  intently  fastened  to  tlie  point  indi- 
cated, a  small  package  was  at  length  observed  being 
passed  between  the  grates,  thence  dropping  to  the  floor. 
Still  closely  watching,  in  event  of  the  guard  noticing 
anything  unusual,  he  hastily  gathered  up  the  parcel, 
depositing  it  under  his  bunk  until  a  suitable  time  should 
arrive  when  it  would  be  safe  to  examine  the  contents. 

The  nightly  guard  would  soon  make  the  rounds.  A 
few  moments  later  he  appeared,  passing  through  the 
cell,  noticing  nothing  of  a  suspicious  nature.  Meantime 
inquiring  if  the  prisoner  were  in  need  of  anything  for  the 
night,  and  being  assured  to  the  contrary,  he  bade  the 
young  man  "Good-night,"  with  the  hope  that  he  might 
enjoy  a  comfortable  night's  rest.  Afterward,  placing  in 
position  the  heavy  bar  attached  to  the  entrance,  together 
with  the  customary  bolts  and  chains,  he  left  him  alone 
to  his  solitary  reflections,  little  understanding  how  much 
cause  for  thankfulness  his  prisoner  had  for  being  thus 
left. 

Again  all  became  quiet,  save  that  portion  of  the 
building  whereat  the  scaffolding  was  being  erected,  the 
sounds  of  hammer  and  saw  echoing  through  the  recesses 
of  the  gloomy  structure.  At  length  convinced  a  suffi- 
cient period  of  time  had  expired  to  render  it  entirely 
safe,  the  prisoner  unrolled  the  package,  when  great  was 
his  astonishment  and  no  less  measure  of  joy  upon  behold- 
ing the  contents.  These  were  two  sharp  files,  a  tiny 
bottle  of  lubricating  oil,  also  a  small  piece  of  iron-tinted 
wax,  while  within  was  a  note  in  a  neat  feminine  hand, 
explaining  the  course  to  be  pursued — none  other  than  to 
work  noiselessly,  yet  rapidly,  in  severing  two  of  the  bars, 
concluding  by  saying :  "  The  workmen  engaged  in 
another  part  of  the  building  are  making  so  much  uproar, 
the  slight  noise  of  filing  will  be  entirely  covered.  After 
the  bars  are  severed,  replace  and  hide  the  joints  by  the 
wax.  Furthermore,  at  twelve  o'clock  to-morrow  night, 
leave  the  cell,  carefully  replacing  the  bars,  then  proceed 
to  the  little  grove  to  the  rear  and  at  some  distance  from 
the  prison  grounds,  where  you  will  find  means  provided 


HEEMAN  SENTENCED  TO   DEATH.  93 

for  your  safety.  Obey  these  instructions  to  the  letter, 
at  the  same  time  place  entire  confidence  in  an  unknown 
friend,  and  all  will  be  well." 

Now  wide  awake,  alert  and  active,  Herman  began  the 
task  of  cutting  the  bars  of  the  window,  outside  of  which 
lay  escape  and  liberty.  Working  carefully,  the  little 
sound  made  by  the  rasping  file  was  drowned  by  the 
saws  and  hammers  of  the  workmen.  The  time  was  so 
faithfully  employed,  that  ere  the  hour  of  midnight,  one 
bar  was  in  his  hand.  The  guard  had  said,  previous  to 
leaving  as  presumed  for  the  night : 

"I  am  instructed  by  the  sheriff  to  call  again  at  twelve 
o'clock,  but  I  will  make  as  little  noise  as  possible,  so  that 
your  slumbers  may  not  be  disturbed." 

The  now  thoroughly  happy  prisoner  replaced  the 
tools  under  his  bunk,  then  lay  down  as  if  to  sleep, 
throwing  the  blankets  over  his  body.  Thus  upon  the 
appearance  of  the  jailer  at  the  appointed  hour,  his  pris- 
oner was  evidently  soundly  sleeping.  So  after  carefully 
examining  the  cell,  he  noiselessly  disappeared,  when  the 
young  man  rose  from  his  couch,  regained  possession  of 
his  priceless  treasures,  and  then  bent  his  every  energy 
to  the  task  drawing  so  near  to  completion,  well  knowing 
he  would  not  be  again  disturbed  in  his  occupation  before 
early  dawn.  Yet  before  that  time  had  arrived,  in  his 
hand  lay  the  last  bar  to  freedom. 

Replacing  and  anointing  both  the  severed  bars  at  the 
seams  with  the  remainder  of  the  wax — so  neatly  done, 
be  it  said,  that  a  practiced  eye  would  have  been  required 
to  discover  they  had  been  tampered  with — he  undressed, 
retiring  again  to  his  bunk,  awakening  only  at  the  voice 
of  the  jailer  summoning  him  to  breakfast. 

The  unwonted  labor  of  the  night  had  given  him  an 
unusually  good  appetite,  so  he  ate  a  hearty  meal,  greatly 
to  the  satisfaction  of  the  kind-hearted  jailer ;  who,  it 
must  be  owned,  had  during  the  time  in  which  he  had 
been  in  charge,  conceived  a  strong  liking  for  his  pris- 
oner ;  and  who,  now  that  the  expected  execution  was  so 
near  at  hand,  he  felt  would  be  greatly  missed, 


94  THE  prisoner's  escape. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

THE  prisoner's   ESCAPE. 

AGAIN  it  is  night;  ten  o'clock;  streets  deserted, 
save  now  and  again  a  belated  pedestrian,  silently 
passing,  gazes  with  mournful  interest  on  the  massive 
gray  walls  towering  high  in  the  gloom,  with  mind  intent 
on  the  fate  of  the  lonely  watcher  at  the  barred  window 
— the  last  night  his  eyes  shall  evermore  behold  nature's 
glories  as  pictured  in  the  starry  vault  aloft. 

At  a  half  hour  before  midnight,  an  aged  negress  might 
have  been  seen  coming  down  the  street.  Arriving  near 
the  jail,  the  old  and  seemingly  decrepit  woman  abruptly 
halted,  meantime  gazing  aloft  at  the  massive  structure, 
evidently  in  the  act  of  gratifying  a  natural  curiosity 
peculiar  to  the  race.  From  an  arm  depended  a  market 
basket,  from  the  basket  protruded  a  head  of  cabbage,  a 
couple  of  bunches  of  beets,  several  others  of  turnips 
onions  and  the  like,  while  crowning  all,  were  the  necks 
of  two  suspicious  appearing  bottles. 

The  prison  officials,  a  pair  of  roughly  clad,  burly  speci- 
mens, stationed  near  to  the  entrance,  were  observed 
lazily  reclining  on  a  bench  near  the  gateway.  Noticing 
the  approach  of  the  old  woman,  and  thinking  to  have 
some  fun  at  her  expense  by  a  little  judicious  chaflang, 
thus  tending  to  relieve  the  monotony  of  their  tedious 
occupation,  both  rose  to  their  feet,  one  remarking : 

"I  say,  Pete,  here  comes  an  old  market  woman." 

"  Rutiier  singular  she's  out  this  time  o'  night." 

"  That's  er  fact,  Jim." 

"I  say,  ol'  mammy,  wot  yer  got  in  that  there  bas- 
ket? "  questioned  Pete. 

"  Nothin'  fo'  yo',  ol'  man.  Jess  sum  market  doins  fo' 
Massa  Blakeslee's  folks." 


THE   prisoner's  ESCAPE.  96* 

"  Ain't  it  purty  late  ter  be  a  comin'  from  market, 
mammy  ?  " 

"  Wall,  yer  see,  I  war  down  to  ol'  Mammy  Sikes',  an' 
she  lowed  es  how  thar  war  goiu'  ter  be  a  haugin'-bee 
termorrer,  an'  we  mout  as  well  have  a  little  blow  out. 
So  Mam  Sikes,  she  sot  out  a  bottle  or  two  of  Jamaica, 
the  real  stuff  it  war  too,  dat  I  can  tol'  yer." 

"  Got  any  in  the  basket,  old  woman  i*  " 

"  Wha'  yo'  talkin'  'bout  ?  Tmk  I  don'  carry  ol'  Ja- 
maica 'bout  in  a  baskit,  long  o'  garden  truck  ?  Wha' 
yo'  tak'  me  fo',  ol'  man  ?  " 

"  Well,  ol'  mammy,  don't  yer  go  ter  gittin'  mad  erbout 
it.  It's  kinder  cold  an'  lonesome  fur  me  an'  Jim,  settin' 
out  here  all  night,  watchin'  that  young  feller  wot's  goin' 
ter  stretch  hemp  termorrer  ;  an'  tber's  no  call  fer  it 
either,  fur  he's  fas'  ter  sleep,  an'  won't  wake  fore  morn- 
in'.  They  never  do.  They  allers  sleeps  tlier  night 
afore.  But  I  say,  mebbe  thar's  a  drop  left,  and  a  little 
Jamaica  won't  do  me  an'  Jim  no  hurt.  So  open  up,  ol' 
woman,  mebbe  thar's  a  smell  anyhow." 

At  this  the  old  negress  began  to  hobble  off,  seemingly  in 
great  haste ;  but  Pete,  catching  the  basket  from  her  arm, 
drew  out  one  of  the  bottles,  which  proved  to  be  pretty 
well  filled  with  what  appeared  "the  real  old  stuff'."  Pull- 
ing out  the  cork  and  applying  his  nose  to  the  mouth  of 
the  bottle,  he  gave  a  joyous  shout. 

"  I  say,  Jim,  here's  nuft'  fur  a  good  squar'  drink  all 
round,  so  here  goes."  Then  taking  a  long,  hearty  pull, 
he  handed  the  bottle  to  his  mate. 

Jim,  following  Pete's  example,  nearly  drained  the  bot- 
tle of  its  remaining  contents,  the  poor  old  negress, 
meanwhile,  wringing  her  hands  in  great  anguish  of  spirit, 
saying : 

"  Ol'  Massa  Blakeslee  don  hab  to  go  'thout  his  mornin' 
bitters,  and  he'll  gib  me  dredful  scoldin',  dat  he  will. 
I'se  mos'  afraid  to  go  hom',  dat  I  is."  Then  taking  up 
her  despoiled  basket,  with  the  remark,  "  Yo'  uns  will  be 
sorry  yo'  don  play  dis  mean  trick  on  po'  ol'  colored 
woman,"  she  sauntered  away. 


9(5  THE  peisoner's  escape. 

Could  Pete  and  Jim  have  seen  the  peculiar  and  pleased 
expression  on  the  "  po'  ol'  colored  woman's  "  face,  they 
would  have  had  their  suspicions  aroused  that  all  in  this 
world  "is  not  as  it  seems," 

"  I  say,  Pete,  that  warpurty  good  liker,  but  confound  it 
— I  feel  so  queer — I'm  blest  ef  I  ain't  sleepy.  I  say, 
Pete,  let's  have  a  nap.  The  young  feller'd  be  all  rite,  but 
look  here,  Pete " 

Here  Jim  slid  from  his  seat  to  the  ground,  mumbling, 
"Purty  good  liker,  purty  goo "  ending  in  a  long- 
drawn  snore. 

Pete  was  now  in  the  same  predicament,  the  old  Ja- 
maica affecting  him  in  a  similar  manner.  So  after  vainly 
endeavoring  to  keep  his  perpendicular,  he  fell  prone 
to  the  ground,  where  both  were  found  lying  unconscious 
by  the  relief-guard  at  sunrise. 

The  clock  in  the  church  tower  strikes  twelve.  The 
city  is  asleep,  the  prisoner's  guard  also.  There  is  nothing 
to  disturb  the  stillness  of  the  night,  or  the  unconscious 
men's  slumber,  save  the  swiftly  running  waters  of  the 
river,  now  swollen  by  late  heavy  rains,  and  the  closing 
for  the  night  of  the  many  factories  lining  its  banks,  thus 
adding  largely  to  its  volume. 

No  thought  of  the  escape  of  the  prisoner  was  indulged 
by  the  sheriff  or  his  assistants,  who  that  they  might  be 
found  fresh  and  in  good  trim  for  the  performance  of  the 
arduous  and  no  less  solemn  duties  of  the  day,  had  retired 
at  an  early  hour  of  the  evening,  giving  the  guard  strict 
injunctions  not  to  lose  sight  of  the  prisoner  for  a  single 
moment,  but  to  exercise  vigilance  and  watchfulness  in 
the  discharge  of  their  duties  until  relieved  in  the  early 
morning.  How  well  and  thoroughly  they  obeyed  these 
instructions,  the  sheriff  was  to  discover  to  his  cost  before 
many  hours  should  have  elapsed. 

The  gallows,  completed,  had  been  thoroughly  tested 
with  satisfactory  results,  and  nothing  seemed  wanting  to 
the  performance  of  the  last  sad  act  in  the  drama  of  Her- 
man Baxter's  brief  life. 

Kot  only  the  citizens,  but  also  the  people  of  the  neigh- 


THE    prisoner's  ESCAPE.  97 

boring  districts,  had  retiied  to  their  couches  on  this 
night,  in  the  anticipation  of  witnessing  on  the  morrow  a 
spectacle  seldom  seen  in  that  region,  the  judicial  execu- 
tion of  a  fellow-being.  Therefore  it  will  not  be  a  maiter 
of  wonder  that  before  the  rising  of  the  sun,  the  highways 
leading  to  the  city  should  be  thronged  with  people. 

Five  o'clock — six — another  long  hour,  and  the  great 
bell  in  the  tall  church  tower  pealed,  in  solemn  tones,  the 
hour  of  seven,  echoed  by  scores  of  loud,  shrill-sounding 
whistles  from  factory  and  mill,  summoning  the  lagging- 
workmen  to  their  daily  toil. 

But  what  means  this  unwonted  commotion  around  the 
outer  gateway  of  the  jail,  the  sheriff  flying  in  such  ex- 
cessive haste  from  his  house  to  its  precincts,  while  the 
shout  goes  up  from  jail  officials:  "The  prisoner  has 
escaped ! "  ? 

But  how  ?  The  fastenings,  bolts,  bars  and  chains  of 
the  stoutly  constructed  gateway  are  found,  upon  exam- 
ination, intact.  Even  the  bars  of  the  grated  window 
are  all  in  place.  People  gather  in  knots  on  the  street 
comers,  eager  for  the  news.  Can  it  be  possible  the  pris- 
oner has  escaped  I  the  gallows  robbed  of  its  victim  I  the 
spectators  of  the  expected  scene  cheated  of  the  sight  I 
Yea,  after  so  much  labor  and  trouble  in  coming  so  far, 
rising  so  early,  and  all  for  naught. 

"  To  horse,  to  horse  1 "  cries  the  overexcited  sheriflf. 
"  The  culprit  cannot  be  far  awaj — we  must  ride  him 
down !  " 

Ere  a  few  moments  pass,  mounted  men  ride  from  street 
and  avenue,  out  on  the  highways  leading  to  the  country, 
while  the  story  passes  from  group  to  group  : 

"  The  guards  were  found  sleeping,  or  stupified  from 
being  drugged," — "  or  dead  drunk,"  exclaims  another, — 
"so  that  even  at  this  late  hour  they  have  scarcely  re- 
gained their  senses,  anyhow  only  just  enough  to  say,  an 
old  market  woman,  and  a  nigger  at  that,  had  induced 
them  to  try  a  drop  of  old  Jamaica  about  midnight." 

However,  whatsoever  the  circumstances,  it  was  quite 
evident  there  would  be  no  hanging  this  day ;  so  the  mul- 


98  THE  prisoner's  escape. 

titude,  very  raucli  against  their  will,  was  compelled  to 
return  on  the  homeward  route,  greatly  cast  down  at  the 
unlooked  for  result  of  the  early  morning  adventure. 

Howbeit,  the  old  market  woman,  when  on  the  point 
of  leaving  the  precincts  of  the  jail,  the  guard  hilarious 
over  their  good  fortune  in  thus  securing  the  coveted 
drinks,  commented  on  the  loss  of  "  Massa  Blakeslee's 
mornin'  dram,"  meantime  increasing  her  gait  until  at 
some  distance,  when  she  came  to  a  stand  under  the 
drooping  branches  of  a  large  chestnut.  Dropping  the 
basket  to  the  ground,  then  peering  through  the  thickly 
clustered  leaves,  she  at  length  uttered  an  exclamation 
of  joy  upon  perceiving  a  young  man  standing  at  the 
head  of  an  old  mule,  evidentlj^  waiting  the  arrival  of 
some  one  unknown.  Picking  up  the  basket  and  hasten- 
ing to  his  side,  she  exclaimed  in  joyous  tones: 

"  Brother  Herman  !  Thank  God,  you  are  here  I  the 
means  of  escape  are  at  hand." 

"  My  God,  Nelly,  is  this  you,  and  in  this  disguise  ? 
Really,  I  took  you  for  a  negro  market  woman ;  but  the 
voice,  yes,  'tis  that  of  my  dear  sister,  brave  girl  that 
you  are  1 "  Then  clasping  her  in  his  arms  in  a  tender, 
affectionate  embrace,  he  murmured  in  trembling  accents, 
"  How  can  I  ever  repay  you  for  such  devotion  !  " 

"  My  dearest  brother,"  replied  Nelly,  "  it's  now  past 
midnight.  I  have  so  effectually  stupefied  the  guards 
they  cannot  possibly  awake,  nor  their  condition  become 
known  before  the  break  of  day.  Yet  time  is  precious,  you 
must  prepare  to  leave  and  that  at  once.  In  the  saddle- 
bags strapped  to  the  back  of  the  mule,  are  the  means 
for  your  escape." 

Then  unbuckling  a  leather  sack,  and  taking  therefrom 
a  number  of  questionable  looking  garments,  she  soon 
had  him  rigged  out  in  appearance  not  unlike  a  genuine 
Hibernian  ;  a  shock  headed  tow  wig,  whiskers  of  a  red- 
dish hue,  and  a  bottle  containing  a  fluid  which  upon  ap- 
plication gave  his  complexion  a  sunburned  aspect ;  cloth- 
ing suitable  to  the  character  he  was  to  assume,  heavy 
corduroy  breeches,  gray  flannel  shirt,  coarse  blouse,  un- 


THE   prisoner's  ESCAPE.  99 

gainly  cowhide  boots,  into  the  legs  of  which  were  tuck- 
ed the  corduroys,  and  when  all  complete,  he  appeared 
more  perfectly  disguised  even  than  his  sister. 

This  toilet  finished,  he  really  looked  so  much  like  the 
character  he  was  to  assume  that  Nelly,  notwithstanding 
the  gravity  of  the  situation,  could  scarcely  repress  a 
shout  of  laughter.     Her  only  words  were  : 

"  Herman,  you'll  do.  But, .  pray  don't  forget  your 
nam6,  Michael  Dempsey,  or  for  short,  'Mike.'  Now, 
let's  hear  you  answer  to  it." 

"  Well  now,  an'  faith  Misthress  O'Toole,  Michael  Demp- 
sey niveryet  did  turn  his  back  'pon  so  shuate  an'  illigant 
a  lady  as  yer'sel,  an'  ef  Oi  moight  be  soi  bowld  as  to 
shtale  wan  shmall  kiss  from  yer  purty  hps,  shure  an'  I'd 
go  me  way  carryin'  the  mimory  o'  yer  handsom'  face 
wid  me  to  the  ind  o'  the  world." 

"  That's  it,  brother,  you'll  make  a  fine  Irishman,  yet 
I  am  very  sorry  to  say  we  must  not  tarry  longer.  A 
long  farewell,  and  may  God  in  his  infinite  mercy  care  for 
and  bless  you,  my  dear,  dear  brother!  How  long  this 
separation  may  be,  God  only  knows  ;  but  under  all  cir- 
cumstances, keep  up  your  courage,  and  let  us  both  put 
our  whole  trust  and  dependence  upon  Him  'who  doeth 
all  things  well.'  " 

Mounting  his  sorry  looking  beast,  and  with  another 
good-bye,  Herman  rode  away,  but  not  until  his  sister 
had  given  him  full  instructions  in  regard  to  his  future 
movements,  that  he  must  be  sure  to  follow,  as  everj'-.- 
thing  now  depended  on  his  maintaining  the  character  as- 
sumed, that  of  an  Irish  lad  traveling  for  both  pleasure 
and  profit — the  pleasant  part,  riding  through  and  seeing 
the  country ;  the  profit,  that  of  looking  for  a  job. 

"  You  need,"  she  continued,  "  appear  to  be  in  no  haste, 
riding  leisurely  and  carelessly  along,  examining  every- 
thing falling  in  your  way,  as  though  the  portion  of  coun- 
try through  which  you  are  traveling  was  wholly  new  to 
you.  At  the  same  time  you  must  expect  to  be  followed 
and  overtaken,  and  when  questioned  as  to  your  identity, 
means  of  livelihood  and  place  of  residence,  reply  in  a 


100  THE  PURSUIT. 

cool,  self-possessed  manner,  betraying  no  uneasiness  or 
suspicion  of  anything  being  out  of  the  usual  way,  either 
by  look,  speech  or  manner,  and  under  every  circum- 
stance and  in  all  places  be  careful  in  maintaining  the 
incognito  of  an  Irishman,  Michael  Dempsey." 

Then  she  passed  him  a  well-filled  purse,  sufficient,  as 
she  said,  to  defray  his  expenses  for  a  considerable  time, 
or  at  least  until  something  should  turn  up  in  his  favor, 
enabling  him  to  return  or  communicate  with  his  friends 
and  home. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

THE    PURSUIT. 

IT  was  now  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  sun 
had  risen,  its  warm  rays  veiled  with  fleecy  clouds, 
serenely  floating  in  the  still  atmosphere,  soon  however 
to  be  dissipated  as  the  orb  of  day  rose  higher  in  the 
heavens. 

Herman  had  ridden  during  the  long  hours  of  the  night 
in  a  leisurely  manner,  partly  as  a  precautionary  meas- 
ure, yet  largely  from  necessity,  the  present  condition  and 
past  servitude  of  the  animal  he  bestrode  greatly  hinder- 
ing rapid  movement,  his  thoughts  meanwhile  dwelling 
on  his  escape. 

The  sharp  clatter  of  rapidly  falling  hoofs  was  now 
borne  to  his  ear,  when  turning,  he  beheld  a  group  of 
horsemen,  four  in  number,  approaching  at  a  swift  gait. 
Well  understanding  the  character  and  errand  of  these 
men,  riding  in  such  haste,  he  leisurely  turned  the  mule 
to  one  side,  as  if  to  let  them  pass  unnoticed.  A  few 
moments  later  they  reached  his  side,  the  foremost  rider, 
the  stout  burly  form  of  the  county  sheriff,  followed  by 
three  well-known  townsmen. 

Bringing  their  panting  steeds  to  a  sharp  halt,  the 
sheriff  accosted  the  young  Irishman,  thus  questioning : 


THE  PURSUIT.  101 

"  My  friend,  may  I  take  the  liberty  of  inquiring  who 
you  are,  where  from,  and  the  nature  of  your  business  ? 
In  the  meantime,  possibly  you  will  not  deem  it  deroga- 
tory to  the  character  of  your  beast,  to  kindly  ask  how 
many  miles  he  is  capable  of  traveling,  say  in  a  day's 
journey  ?  "  The  good-  natured  officer  of  the  law  was 
evidently  in  a  mood  to  chaff  the  rider  concerning  his 
sorry  looking  mule.  "One  other  question.  Have  you 
during  your  pilgrimage,  met  anyone  answering  to  the 
description  of  an  escaped  prisoner  from  Chester  County 
Jail,  at  some  hour  during  the  past  night,  the  precise  time 
not  known  ?  " 

"  Bedad  now,  sor,  I  does  be  thinkin'  yez  bees  axin' 
Michael  Dempsey,  Esq.,  a  gude  mony  questions  all  to 
wonst.  An,  yer  'Oner,  as  I  wouldn't  b^  decavin'  yez  in 
the  laist  perticular,  I  will  only  say  that  beins  I've  tould 
yez  me  name  bees  Michael  Dempsey,  and  I  bees  a 
roidin'  down  the  counthry  a  short  bit,  more  fur  me  own 
plaisurethon  ony  body  ilse,  and  maybe  at  the  same  toime 
lookin'  fur  a  bit  o'  wurk  an'  a  coozin  on  me  mither's  side, 
who  as  I've  been  tould  lives  hereabouts,  an'  I've  coomed 
from  beyant  the  town,  as  lies  over  on  the  ither  soide 
of  the  mountin,  an  that  I  did  be  seein'  a  mon  goin' 
through  the  woods  beyant  the  hill  an  hour  or  more 
agoin'  an  sor " 

"  Hold,  Mr.  Dempsey,"  cries  the  sheriff,  "  your  tongue 
is  longer  than  your  mule's  tail,  though  that's  nothing  to 
brag  of.  But  may  be  you  can  tell  us  whether  the  man 
you  saw  going  through  the  woods  was  afoot  or  on  horse- 
back ?  " 

"  He  wor  nather  ther  wan  or  the  ither,  sor,  he  war 
runnin' " 

*' Boys,"  said  the  now  delighted  sheriff,  "that's  the 
man  sure,  for  Mr.  Dempsey  says  he  was  running. — Was 
he  making  fast  time,  Michael?" 

"  He  wor,  sor,  as  though  the  divil  wor  afther  him." 

"You  say  you  saw  him  about  an  hour  since?  " 

"I  did,  sor." 

"Well,  men,"  said  the  sheriff,   "we  will  leave  this 


102  THE  PURSUIT. 

Irish  lad  to  go  on  his  way,  and  start  again  in  pursuit  of 
the  prisoner." 

The  highway  taken  by  the  sheriff  ran  at  right  angles 
with  the  one  Herman  was  pursuing,  who  now  that  this 
menacing  danger  was  safely  passed,  took  heart,  and  with 
renewed  courage  proceeded  on  his  way,  nothing  further  to 
molest  or  give  him  inconvenience,  until  at  nightfall  he 
found  himself  nearing  a  little  hamlet,  its  name  unknown, 
as  this  was  his  first  visit  to  this  part  of  the  country. 

As  it  was  eminently  necessary  to  keep  his  person  thor- 
oughly disguised,  yet  more  perhaps  to  maintain  the 
appearance  and  character  of  an  Irishman,  for  the  country 
for  scores  of  miles  in  every  direction  would  be  closely 
scanned,  he  rode  boldly  to  the  town,  drawing  rein  at  a 
small  inn  on  the  outskirts.  Here  the  Irishman  gave  his 
mule  to  the  keeping  of  the  landlord,  with  the  injunction 
that  he  be  treated  in  a  Christianlike  manner,  and  after 
a  thorough  cleansing,  removing  the  dust  gathered  by  the 
heated  ride  of  the  day,  the  cheery  tones  of  the  supper 
bell  fell  on  his  ear,  a  most  welcome  sound.  Immedi- 
ately entering  the  dining-room,  he  found  a  generous 
spread,  in  fact  a  more  than  usually  tempting  meal,  await- 
ing him,  presided  over  by  a  good-looking  and  apparently 
intelligent  Irish  lass,  to  whom  he  gave  kindly  greeting, 
and  who  in  turn  attended  to  his  wants  with  all  the  zeal 
he  could  well  desire. 

After  having  finished  his  supper,  our  traveler  took 
from  his  pocket  a  short,  black  pipe,  having  filled  and 
lighted  which,  he  thought  to  take  a  stroll  about  the 
town.  He  soon  noticed  a  group  of  villagers,  evidently 
laboring  under  some  unusual  excitement,  assembled 
about  a  tall  post,  designed  as  a  support  to  a  bill  board 
for  the  use  of  the  public.  These  people  were  studying 
a  large  placard,  placed  in  position  a  short  time  previous 
where  all  could  read  it  with  little  trouble.  Sauntering 
leisurely  along,  he  was  accosted  by  one  of  the  group, 
who  remarked  to  him  : 

"Do  you  see  that,  sir?  " 

"See  what?"  said  the  Irishman. 


THE  PURSUIT.  103 

"  Why,  sir,  the  devil's  to  pay,  as  you'll  agree  to  if  you'll 
take  the  trouble  to  read  that  notice  just  posted  on  the 

■Um    Vvr^Qrr^   " 


bill  board. "  i       j    i      x 

So  making  his  way  through  the  throng  gathered  about, 
Herman  halted  in  front  of  the  placard,  and  read  the  fol- 
lowing  significant  words : 

"PUBLIC  NOTICE. 

"Be  it  hereby  known,  that  on  the  evening  preceding 
the  fourteenth  day  of  September,  between  the  hours  of 
midnight  and  daybreak  of  the  day  appointed  for  his 
execution,  the  condemned  criminal,  one  Herman  Baxter, 
did  ,by  some  unknown  means,  escape  from  Chester 
County  Jail,  State  of  Connecticut,  and  that  I,  Obed 
Styles,  sherift"  of  said  County,  do  enjoin  and  command, 
by  virtue  of  the  power  conferred  by  law,  every  person 
to  whom  the  above  facts  shall  become  known,  to  assist 
in  apprehending  any  suspicious  character,  wherever  seen, 
or  any   one  who  may    bear   resemblance   to   the   said 

escaped  prisoner. 

^  (Signed)    "Obed  Styles." 

*'  Faith,  but  that's  a  quare  notice  I  How's  ony  mon  to 
know  the  resamblance  of  ony  suspected  or  ither  person 
to  the  escaped  bye?  Bedad,  is  it  by  the  cut  of  his  jib 
or  the  cut  of  his  clothes  ?  Does  they  offer  ony  reward  ?  " 
reading  a  little  further—" '  and  the  sum  of  five  hundred 
dollars,  lawful  currency,  will  be  paid  to  the  person  or 
persons  so  apprehending  the  said  Herman  Baxter  if  liv- 
ing, or  producing  the  body  if  dead.'  Shure  byes,  I'd 
ruther  be  livin'  nor  did,  af  I  wor  the  mon  their  afther, 
for  if  did  they  moit  hav  the  body  widout  ony  reward." 


104  Herman's  futher  adventures. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Herman's  further  adventures. 

r  flHIS  public  notice,  signed  by  the  sberifif  of  Chester 

i  County,  naturally  created  an  unwonted  degree  of 
sensation  in  the  little  town,  for  here  was  an  opportunity 
to  secure  quite  a  fortune. 

"  '  Five  hundred  dollars,  lawful  currency ! '  What  do 
they  mean,  Jim  ?  "  said  one. 

"  Why,  good  money,  I  'spose,"  said  the  man  so  inter- 
rogated, "  an'  a  good  bit  o'  money  too." 

Little  did  either  these  simple-minded  villagers,  or  the 
no  less  unsophisticated  crowd  of  country  yokels,  suspect 
the  escaped  criminal,  for  whose  "  person  if  living,  or 
body  if  dead,"  was  offered  the  munificent  sum  of  five 
hundred  dollars,  "lawful  currency,"  even  now  stood  in 
their  midst ;  and  it  required  all  the  nerve  and  coolness  of 
which  the  young  man  was  possessed,  to  so  successfully 
control  his  emotions  as  to  maintain  the  part  he  was  play- 
ing. Sauntering  carelessly  along,  gradually  drawing 
away  from  the  crowd,  constantly  increasing  in  number, 
he  at  length  ventured  a  parting  shot. 

"Phin  yez  find  the  escaped  prisoner,  byes,  sind 
Michael  Dempsey,  Esquire,  word,  an'  he's  the  lad  wull 
tak'  the  hide  off  his  back,  and  put  the  money  in  his 
pocket,  as  weel;  an'  ef  in  me  thravels  I  does  be  coom- 
ing  acrass  the  villain,  I'll  do  the  same  by  yez,  an'  to 
phrove  phat  I  sais,  coom  over  to  Hans'  sthore  an'  hev  a 
pot  o'  peer." 

Upon  hearing  this  generous  offer  a  dozen  or  more  of 
the  thirsty  ones  accepted  the  invitation,  proceeding  with 
little  delay — to  the  store,  when  the  Irishman  called  to 
the  proprietor  to  put  on  tap  a  keg  of  the  choicest  brew. 

"  Now,"  said  the  generous- hearted  stranger,  **  as  I  bes 


Herman's  future  adventures.  105 

aa  Irishmaa,  au'  yez  a  Dootcliinan,  I  say  byes,  three 
cheers  for  the  Dootchman,"  which  being  given  with  a 
will,  a  second  keg  was  ordered,  when  three  times  three 
and  a  tiger  went  up  in  chorus  for  the  Irishman,  thus 
putting  him  on  good  and  friendly  footing  with  the 
entire  assemblage — just  what  he  most  desired.  Then  say- 
ing, "  good-night  to  yez,  byes,  an'  gude  luck  go  wid  yez 
in  finding  the  mon,"  Herman  returned  to  the  inn. 

Worn  and  weary  from  the  unusual  mental  strain  con- 
sequent upon  striving  to  carry  out  the  scheme,  aa  also 
the  physical  discomfort  of  the  day's  jou/ney,  Herman 
called  for  a  r.oom,  immediately  retiring.  He  was  soon 
in  sound  slumber,  from  which  he  awoke  only  on  sum- 
mons to  breakfast ;  yet  previous  to  taking  a  seat  at  the 
table,  he  repaired  to  the  stable  to  see  that  his  mule  was 
being  properly  cared  for.  Eeturning,  he  ate  a  hearty 
meal,  and  was  then  in  readiness  for  another  prospective 
day's  journey.  He  then  tendered  to  the  landlord 
money  in  payment  for  both  himself  and  companion,  as 
also  the  thanks  of  the  latter,  whose  greatly  improved 
appearance  suggested  the  idea  that  were  the  animal 
the  one  formerly  in  possession  of  Balaam,  or  even  one 
possessed  of  like  accomplishments  as  to  gift  of  speech, 
the  mule  would  have  personally  attended  to  the  matter, 
requiring  no  assistance. 

Bidding  the  host  good-morning,  Herman  resumed  his 
travels,  arriving  on  the  evening  of  the  third  day  at  a 
little  hamlet  in  the  vicinity  of  the  city  of  New  York. 
He  put  up  at  a  hostlery,  thinking  it  prudent  to  remain 
secluded  for  a  few  days,  thus  being  enabled  to  look  about 
without  incurring  the  risk  of  coming  into  collision  with 
detectives,  who  he  well  knew  were  on  his  track,  yet  who 
would  most  naturally  expect  to  find  him  in  the  thronged 
streets  of  a  large  city. 


106  FORTUNES  OF  DUKE  STEELE. 


CHAPTER  XV, 

FORTUNES  OF  DUKE   STEELE. 

WE  now  return  to  Duke  Steele,  finding  him  sitting 
at  his  desk  in  the  Government  office  at  Mont- 
gomery, assiduous  in  the  performance  of  his  duties,  yet 
wholly  oblivious  to  the  fate  of  his  friend,  or  the  every- 
day affairs  of  the  college.  Communications  between  the 
North  and  South  were  cut  off,  therefore  no  word  having 
reached  him,  he  remains  as  one  dead  to  friend  and  foe 
alike,  keeping  on  the  even  tenor  of  his  way,  performing 
every  duty  assigned  him  in  an  acceptable  manner. 

Meantime,  the  judge's  daughter,  Carrie  Foster,  has 
striven  with  might  and  main  to  cultivate  the  friendship 
of  the  gentlemanly  Government  employe ;  at  the  outset 
merely  to  gratify  a  feeling  of  revenge  against  her  old 
schoolmate,  Nelly  Baxter,  the  affianced  of  Steele.  But 
now  affairs  have  materially  changed,  rather  the  feelings 
of  Carrie  have  altered,  as  now  in  place  of  revenge  against 
Nelly,  it  is  love  for  Duke  ;  for  deny  as  she  may,  or  even 
fight  against  it,  the  fact  still  remains  that  she  is  hope- 
lessly in  love  with  the  gifted  young  clerk. 

Duke  Steele,  believing  as  he  honestly  did  that  from 
the  lofty  plane  of  honor  on  which  Nelly  Baxter  ever 
stood,  she  could  scarcely  give  him  further  thought,  or  if 
so,  would  simply  despise  his  ignoble  conduct  in  turning 
his  back  on  his  best  friends,  without  a  thought  of  the 
suffering  thus  entailed,  or  word  of  explanation,  it  would 
not  seem  strange  under  these  circumstances  that  he 
should  give  some  attention  to  the  fascinating  Carrie 
Foster;  yet  would  he  but  take  into  consideration  all 
that  he  now  was,  and  all  the  future  might  have  in  store, 
realizing  these  were  wholly  due  to  the  generosity  of 
Thomas  Baxter,  the  father  of  Nelly,  he  must  needs  think 


FORTUNES  OF  DUKE   STEELE.  107 

twice  ere  falling  into  the  trap  so  adroitly  set  by  the  fair 
though  thoroughly  unscrupulous  maiden.  Yet  put  one's 
self  in  his  place.  A  poor  youth,  'tis  true ;  in  material 
things  alone,  however,  for  he  was  possessed  of  a  noble 
nature,  combined  with  rare  gifts  of  intellect,  high  resolve, 
worthy  ambition  and  an  unsullied  honor.  In  contrast, 
a  maiden  scarce  eighteen  years  of  age,  of  graceful  form 
and  beautiful  features,  rich  masses  of  raven  hair  falling 
about  a  shapely  head,  lips  full  and  ripe,  eyes  dark  and 
deep  as  night,  voice  low  and  soft,  the  daughter  of  one  of 
Alabama's  most  wealthy  citizens,  paying  him  court. 
Who  then  shall  wonder  or  doubt  the  power  capable  of 
being  wielded  by  this  lovely  siren  over  the  heart  and 
mind  of  a  youth  more  than  ordinarily  susceptible  to  the 
influence  of  female  charms ;  and  that,  too,  at  a  period  of 
his  life  when  cut  off  from  the  companionship  of  friends 
heretofore  held  so  dear  ! 

At  this  juncture  of  affairs,  the  Government  clerk  was 
offered  a  commission  in  a  cavalry  regiment,  now  being 
organized,  composed  principally  of  the  sons  of  wealthy 
Alabama  planters.  This  regiment,  the  first  recruited  in 
the  State  for  this  branch  of  the  service,  made  up  almost 
wholly  of  the  elite  of  Southern  chivalry,  was  most  natu- 
rally regarded  with  no  little  envy  by  those  who  from  a 
more  lowly  station,  were  debarred  the  privilege  of  enlist- 
ing in  its  ranks.  Thus  a  spirit  of  perhaps  well-founded 
jealousy  was  aroused,  causing  a  considerable  amount  of 
hard  feeling  among  this  latter  class  of  citizens.  Great 
then  was  the  wonder  among  the  young  men  of  a  walk  in 
life  similar  to  that  of  Duke  Steele,  that  he,  of  them  all, 
should  be  selected,  not  only  as  an  associate  and  equal 
of  these  haughty  scions  of  Southern  chivalry,  but  at  the 
same  time,  be  honored  with  a  commission  for  which 
others  in  the  possession  of  wealth,  social  standing  and 
influence,  had  striven  in  vain. 

However,  the  solution  of  the  problem  was  not  diffi- 
cult. The  judge's  daughter  had  solicited  this  appoint- 
ment from  her  father,  well  knowing  his  influence  could 
overbear  that  of  others  in  a  similar  station  of  life  to  his 


108  FORTUNES  OF   DUKE   STEELE. 

own,  and  where  they  had  failed,  he  was  nearly  sure  to 
succeed.  As  he  seldom  ignored  or  set  aside  as  of  little 
consequence  any  favor  asked  by  his  only  and  well  be- 
loved daughter,  neither  did  he  in  this  instance.  Duke 
Steele  received  the  commission,  not  only  without  hesita- 
tion, but  it  might  be  added  with  a  large  measure  of  sat- 
isfaction, as  it  raised  him  at  one  bound  to  an  equality 
with  those  high-born  wealthy  aspirants  to  military  rank, 
fame  and  honor;  not  only  this,  but  also  to  the  social 
prominence  enjoyed  by  the  gifted  young  lady,  who 
would,  from  this  time  on,  be  enabled  to  extend  him  invi- 
tations to  the  select  circle  in  which  she  moved  as  the 
central  orb  around  which  circled  many  satellites ;  in  the 
meantime,  placing  him  in  a  position  largely  dependent 
upon  her  good  will,  thus  keeping  him  within  the  environ- 
ment of  her  magic  charms.  So  it  came  about  that 
whenever  a  more  than  usually  interesting  social  gather- 
ing was  to  be  held,  Duke  received  an  invitation,  not 
however  as  the  lowly  Government  clerk,  but  as  Lieu- 
tenant Steele,  First  Alabama  Cavalry, 

This  was  a  state  of  aft'airs  not  only  acceptable,  but 
quite  flattering  to  the  vanity  natural  to  one  of  his  age 
and  temperament ;  so  from  enjoying  the  patronage  of 
this  aristrocratic  lady,  he  was  a  welcome  guest  at  every 
social  entertainment  to  which  he  was  invited. 

The  regiment,  now  fully  recruited,  organized,  officered 
and  equipped,  would  soon  take  the  field;  so  a  grand 
reception  was  to  be  held  for  a  general  leave-taking  by 
the  families,  relatives  and  friends  of  the  regiment,  as  also 
those  well  disposed  citizens  who  felt  sufficient  interest  in 
its  welfare  to  be  present  regardless  of  caste  or  social 
standing.  An  elaborate  dinner  was  to  be  served  by  the 
ladies  of  the  city,  more  especially  for  the  members  of  the 
regiment,  the  invited  guests  merely  to  share  the  festivi- 
ties of  the  occasion,  without  partaking  of  the  refresh- 
ments provided,  as  it  was  considered  too  great  a  task  to 
furnish  food  for  the  multitude  expected  to  be  present. 

Special  invitations  were  to  be  extended  to  the  families 
of  wealth  and  social  prominence,  not  only  in  the  city, 


FORTUNES  OF   DUKE  STEELE.  109 

but  throughout  the  State,  as  this  was  expected  to  be  the 
grand  gala  event  of  the  season,  but  little  thought  being 
given  to  the  dangers  to  which  these  sons,  lovers  and 
brothers  were  soon  to  be  exposed.  Enthusiasm  ran  high 
as  preparations  for  the  greatest  event  in  the  history  of 
the  city  were  beiug  rapidly  pushed,  the  ladies  vicing  in 
mutual  strife  to  excel  in  choice  productions  of  the  more 
substantial  articles  of  food,  while  lily  hands  and  dehcate 
fingers  were  for  the  first  time  busy  in  mixture  of  cake 
and  pudding. 

The  day  at  last  arrived  when  the  brave  soldier  boys 
were  to  be  entertained,  then  to  say  the  last  sad  farewell 
to  home  and  friends.  At  the  close  of  the  entertainment 
a  ball  was  to  be  held — an  elaborate  aft'air,  its  equal 
never  before  witnessed  by  the  people  of  the  city. 

The  day  passed  harmoniously,  nothing  occurring  to 
mar  the  festivities  of  the  occasion ;  and  taking  it  as 
a  whole,  it  might  well  be  considered  a  grand  success, 
all  that  could  be  desired.  The  evening  shades  draw 
nigh.  Beauty,  wealth,  chivalry,  all  combined  were 
there,  while  the  fine  regimental  band  executed  their 
choicest  selections  of  music.  No  like  company  ever 
before  assembled  within  the  precincts  of  this  beautiful 
city,  officers  in  military  costume,  the  ladies  in  flowing 
silks  and  satins. 

The  ball  now  opened  to  the  melodious  strains  of  the 
band.  In  due  time  Lieutenant  Steele  entered,  passing 
down  the  long  hall,  the  beautiful  daughter  of  Judge  Fos- 
ter on  his  arm.  Advancing,  they  secured  place  for  the 
opening  dance,  the  tall,  manly  form  of  the  lieutenant 
showing  to  the  best  advantage  in  his  brilliant  uniform, 
the  lady  in  rich  shimmering  crimson  silk,  while  every 
eye  was  fixed  upon  them,  some  in  admiration,  others  in 
envy  tinctured  with  jealousy,  while  one  pair  of  dark 
eyes  gleamed  forth  venom  and  deadly  hate. 

Nearly  the  whole  company  were  well  acquainted  with 
the  judge's  daughter,  while  the  lieutenant  was  a  compar- 
ative stranger.  The  question  passed  freely  from  mouth 
to  mouth : 


110  FORTUNES   OF   DUKE   STEELE. 

"  Who  is  this  young  soldier?  " 

It  was  answered  by  an  officer  of  the  same  regiment, 
Cyril  Blanch ard,  son  of  a  prominent  and  wealthy  citizen, 
who  sneered  : 

"  Only  a  poor  clerk,  late  in  employ  of  the  Government ; 
yet  now  it  seems,  a  favorite  of  fortune.  Aye,  a  suitor 
for  the  hand  of  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  fascinating 
of  Montgomery's  daughters."  Then  to  himself  he  mut- 
tered :  "  I'll  bring  this  plebeian  upstart  down  to  the  level 
he  is  so  much  better  fitted  to  adorn,  and  the  one  to 
which  he  naturally  belongs.  Yes,  I'll  teach  him  not  to 
aspire  to  a  station  to  which  he  is  so  little  entitled  either 
by  birth  or  fortune.  Carrie  once  admitted  that  she 
loved  me,  that  I  was  the  chosen  of  her  heart.  Now  she 
throws  me  over  for  this  conceited  proud  coxcomb,  yet 
the  game  is  far  from  being  played  out," 

The  night  was  not  only  dark,  but  unusually  warm  and 
sultry;  still  theidance  went  on,  little  thought  being  given 
to  the  heated  atmosphere  within,  except  perhaps  in  the 
case  of  the  lieutenant  and  his  lovely  companion,  who  as 
a  matter  of  prudence  deemed  it  wise  to  seek  the  cooler 
air  without.  So  upon  finishing  the  quadrille  in  which 
they  had  been  engaged.  Lieutenant  Steele  proposed  a 
stroll  through  the  adjacent  grounds.  They  soon  found 
themselves  nearing  an  arbor  entirely  screened  from  view 
by  thick  masses  of  closely  woven  vines.  Entering  and 
taking  seats,  they  gave  themselves  up  to  the  mutual 
feelings  of  love  so  closely  entwining  their  hearts. 

"  Lieutenant  Steele,"  remarked  the  young  lady,  "  on 
the  morrow  you  leave  me.  Will  it  be  to  return  strong, 
well  and  handsome  as  now  ?  or — Oh !  Duke,  I  shudder 
when  contemplating  the  dangers  to  which  you  will  be 
exposed,  and  through  which  you  will  be  called  upon  to 
pass  1 " 

Passing  an  arm  around  her  supple  form,  imprinting  a 
warm  passionate  kiss  on  the  full  ripe  lips,  Duke  ejacu- 
lated : 

"  My  dearest  love,  I  trust  my  life  may  be  spared  to 
you ;  and  while  not  needlessly  exposing  myself,  I  shall 


THE   SCENE   CHANGES,  111 

hope  to  be  ever  found  in  the  front  rank,  doing  my  duty  as 
befits  a  soldier  and  well- wisher  of  his  country,  and  with 
my  command  opposing  a  bold  front  to  the  enemy,  no 
matter  what  the  danger.  You,  the  beloved  of  my  heart, 
the  daughter  of  a  patriotic  and  esteemed  father,  could 
scarcely  wish  it  otherwise.  No,  you  could  not,  I  am 
sure,  desire  that  in  order  to  escape  danger,  or  with  my 
life  even,  I  should  turn  my  back  to  the  foe." 

"  No,  Duke,"  the  girl  simply  replied,  "  but  don't,  for 
my  sake,  expose  yourself  rashly  or  needlessly.  Promise 
me  this  much,  won't  you  ?  " 

During  the  whole  time  this  scene  was  being  enacted, 
a  baleful  pair  of  eyes  were  its  witnesses ;  or  if  not  seeing, 
eager  ears  were  listening  to  the  words  of  love.  The 
eavesdropper  was  none  other  than  the  young  officer, 
Cyril  Blanchard,  who,  following  them  from  the  ball-room, 
had  remained  in  hiding  in  the  rear  of  the  arbor,  a  silent  and 
unsuspected  listener.  Finally,  overcome  with  rage  and 
jealousy,  he  forced  his  way  to  the  retreat ;  where,  con- 
fronting his  brother  officer,  he  struck  him  a  stinging 
blow  in  the  face,  accompanying  it  with  the  most  insult- 
ing expressions.  At  the  instant,  Lieutenant  Steeles  prang 
to  his  feet,  when  drawing  his  sword,  there  followed 
the  scene  pictured  at  the  beginning  of  our  story. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


THE   SCENE   CHANGES. 


l^rOTICE. — Wanted — Sixty  sailors  to  man  a  ves- 
1  ^  sel  lately  constructed  and  nearly  ready  for 
sea.  Seamen  from  Southern  ports  desired,  as  the  desti- 
nation of  the  vessel  is  that  of  Southern  seas  and  low 
latitudes.  Ages  must  range  from  twenty-five  to  forty 
years.  Recommendations  for  the  position,  thorough 
seamanship,  sound  health,  good  mental  abilities  and  a 
general  knowledge  of  the  requirements  of  a  large  ship. 


112  THE   SCENE   CHANGES. 

"Eendezvous,  No.  210  South  Water  Street,  New 
York  citj,  where  candidates  must  needs  apply,  and 
where  competitive  examinations  will  determine  the 
choice. 

"  Also  wanted — seventy-five  young  men,  age  not 
less  than  twenty  nor  above  thirty -five  years  ;  service, 
that  of  marines  on  board  the  same  vessel ;  rendezvous, 
same  street  and  number,  and  Avhere  competitive  exami- 
nation will  be  observed  in  like  manner. 

"  Sons  of  Southern  families  will  in  each  case  be  given 
the  preference,  as  better  adapted  to  tbe  service  required, 

"  A  ship's  clerk  is  also  wanted.  The  applicant  must 
be  a  young  man  of  good  education  and  of  fair  mental 
ability. 

"  Applicants  for  any  of  the  said  positions  must  regis- 
ter not  later  than  the  thirtieth  of  the  present  month. 
"Dated  this  20th  day  of  August,  1861. 

(Signed)  "Jonathan  Perkins," 

The  above  notice  appeared  in  the  columns  of  the  New 
York  Herald  and  Charleston  Mercury  simultaneously,  on 
the  twenty-first  day  of  August. 

Upon  his  second  visit  to  the  city  of  New  York,  our 
traveler  and  escaped  prisoner,  Herman  Baxter — having 
previously  exchanged  his  old  and  highly  esteemed  friend 
the  mule,  in  consideration  of  one,  week's  board,  an  ar- 
rangement consummated  with  the  proprietor  of  the  inn  at 
the  suburban  hamlet — provided  himself  with  a  suit  of 
ready-made  clothing,  purchased  at  a  store  on  Chatham 
Street;  then  throwing  off  the  disguise  of  an  Irishman, 
he  re-disguised  himself  in  full  beard  and  flowing  locks 
of  shining  black  hair.  Thus  neatly  clad  and  personat- 
ing the  name  and  character  of  Charles  St.  Clair,  a  young 
man  of  wealth  and  station,  he  boldly  trod  the  thronged 
streets,  until  reaching  a  public-house,  he  entered  and 
making  his  way  to  the  reading-room,  there  penned  an 
order  purporting  to  come  from  the  Irish  lad,  "Michael 
Dempse}',  Esquire,  the  mon  who  niver  towld  a  loie,  sor,'' 
transferring  the  order  for  "  wan  wake's  boord,"  explain- 


THE  SCENE   CHANGES.  113 

ing  when  tendering  the  same  to  the  landlord,  Ezekiel 
Hickey,  that  Michael,  an  old  friend,  had  secured  a  job, 
and  having  no  further  need  of  board  and  lodging  out- 
side the  city,  had  sold  it  at  a  discount. 

*'  So  now,  sir,"  he  continued,  "  if  all's  right,  I  will  take 
possession  of  his  room,  and  remain  the  balance  of  the 
week." 

"  Very  well,  sir,"  said  the  accommodating  landlord, 
who  could  see  nothing  out  of  the  way  in  the  transaction, 
little  suspecting  this  sleek,  well-dressed  gentleman  and 
Michael  Dempsey,  o'  the  Dempseys,  "  Whom  one  might 
roast  on  hot  gridirons  an'  they  niver  prevaricate,  sor," 
were  one  and  the  same. 

Eeturning  to  the  city  on  the  following  morning,  he 
roamed  aimlessly  about  for  a  while,  until  finding  him- 
self in  front  of  the  Brevoort  House,  he  entered,  think- 
ing to  take  a  few  minutes'  rest.  In  the  meantime, 
casually  glancing  through  a  file  of  the  morning  papers, 
his  eye  chanced  to  light  on  the  notice  inserted  by  Jon- 
athan Perkins  in  the  Herald,  requiring  the  service  of  sea- 
men, marines  and  ship's  clerk. 

"  Well,"  he  exclaimed,  upon  finishing  the  reading, 
"here's  something  that  might  suit  me.  In  fact,  I  am 
sure  it  couldn't  be  better,  and  I  will  enter  my  name  on 
the  register  for  the  position.  Yes,  I'll  apply  for  the  posi- 
tion of  ship's  clerk." 

Accordingly,  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  August,  he  wended 
his  way  to  the  rendezvous,  No.  210  South  Water 
Street,  where  the  examination  was  then  under  way. 
Greatly  to  his  surprise,  an  unwonted  number  of  candi- 
dates were  in  waiting,  hundreds  being  gathered  about 
the  halls  and  corridors  of  the  great  building,  while 
expectant  groups  clustered  throughout  portions  of  the 
grounds  and  avenues,  anxiously  discussing  the  possibil- 
ities of  success  or  failure,  nature  of  service  demanded 
and  destination.  Meanwhile  the  clerk  of  the  board  called 
the  names  of  applicants  as  they  appeared  on  the  reg- 
istration list,  each  taking  the  proper  place  when  so  noti- 
fied, the  questions  propounded  being  length  of  service 
7 


114  THE   SCENE  CHANGES. 

on  board  ship,  physical  and  mental  endowments,  when 
if  deemed  satisfactory,  the  candidate  was  turned  over  to 
the  surgeon  in  charge  for  physical  examination  ;  in  this 
last  particular,  subjected  to  the  most  rigid  scrutiny. 
While  only  sixty  sailors  and  seventy-five  marines  were 
required,  it  would  most  naturally  occur  to  one's  mind 
that  out  of  the  several  hundred  applicants,  a  large  number 
must  necessarily  meet  with  disappointment,  a  fact  tend- 
ing to  much  mental  anxiety  to  ihose  in  waiting. 

The  examinations  for  both  sailors  and  marines  con- 
cluded, Charles  St.  Clair  was  called,  his  name  heading 
the  list  for  the  position  of  ship's  clerk.  Upon  his  name 
being  announced,  Herman  Baxter  should  have  immedi- 
ately answered ;  yet  not  having  become  accustomed  to  the 
alias,  he  gazed  around  in  stolid  unconcern,  seemingly 
unaware  of  being  the  individual  in  question.  No  one 
replying,  the  clerk  repeated  the  name  in  louder  tones, 
adding  that  should  no  one  present  respond,  the  name 
would  be  erased  from  the  Hst  without  further  waiting. 
At  this  juncture  a  gentleman  standing  nigh,  touched 
the  unconscious  candidate  on  the  shoulder,  pleasantly 
remarking : 

"  I  believe  you  are  the  person  in  question.  Am  I  in 
the  right,  sir?  " 

"  Oh  !  yes,  thank  you,  sir,  for  so  kindly  reminding  me. 
The  fact  of  the  matter  is  I  was  absorbed  in  far  away 
thoughts,"  and  now  recognizing  in  the  gentleman  an  offi- 
cial connected  with  the  examining  board,  he  continued  : 
"  Pardon  me,  sir,  for  my  seeming  indifterence  to  the 
call ! " 

Then,  without  further  ado,  Herman  pushed  his  way 
through  the  dense  masses  blocking  the  entrance,  taking 
the  position  pointed  out  by  one  of  the  board.  He  was 
followed  by  the  curious,  and  as  he  imagined,  significant 
glances  of  a  number  of  the  spectators.  For,  be  it  known, 
his  hesitation  in  not  immediately  answering  to  the  sum- 
mons had  nearly  proved  fatal,  for  detectives  were  yet  on 
his  track,  the  search  by  no  means  being  discontinued,  the 
large  reward  offered  by  the  sheriff"  stimulating  many 


THE  SCENE  CHANGES.  115 

well -disposed  persons,  who  otherwise  would  have  scarcely 
given  the  subject  further  thought.  Thus  a  number  of 
well-known  detectives  were  at  this  moment  on  the 
ground,  the  most  trivial,  out-of-the-way  incident  serv- 
ing to  keep  their  keen  wits  on  the  alert.  Thus  had 
the  candidate  for  ship's  clerk  allowed  himself  any 
unnatural  move,  or  gesture  even,  serving  in  the  least  to 
betray  his  incognito,  he  would  have  been  placed  under 
the  ban  of  suspicion,  if  not  actual  arrest. 

The  examination  was  now  begun  and  carried  forward 
in  a  most  rigid  manner.  His  birth  and  present  place  of 
residence,  occupation,  general  qualifications  for  the  post 
sought,  together  with  many  questions  of  lesser  import, 
were  addressed  to  him,  requiring  ready  thought  and  as- 
surance to  answer  without  betraying  himself  or  arousing 
suspicion. 

"  Jake,"  said  one,  "  thet  ere  young  feller  has  to  me, 
specially  in  build,  a  leetle  the  look  o'  the  young  man 
we're  arter.  An'  then,  did  yer  notice,  when  I  spoke  to 
him,  how  he  kinder  colored,  jest  the  same  ez  a  gurl? 
An'  then,  he  seemed  ter  furgit  his  name.  Didn't  yer 
notice  it,  Jake  ?  Then  too,  yer  know,  Jake,  I  were  at 
this  trial.  Guess  you  was,  too.  However,  I  recollect 
jest  how  he  looked  then,  and  he  hadn't  no  baird  like 
this  ere  one.  Mebbe  it's  false.  What  do  yer  say, 
Jake?" 

*'  Wall,  Sam,"  replied  the  detective  Jake,  "  he  do  'pear 
leetle  like  tother,  but  'tain't  him  ;  cause  yer  see,  thet 
feller  hed  black  hair,  an'  this  one's  jest  like  tow  fur  all 
the  wurld.     No,  Sam,  this  hain't  'im." 

Herman  Baxter,  now  Charles  St.  Clair,  did  really 
seem  in  a  dangerous  situation ;  yet  retaining  his  usual 
coolness  and  self-possession  to  a  remarkable  degree,  he 
answered  all  questions  satisfactorily,  even  the  surgeon's 
examination  proving  all  that  could  be  desired.  He 
passed  the  trying  ordeal  safely,  and  had  the  regulations 
not  required  each  applicant  to  have  an  equal  chance  for 
the  much  coveted  position,  Charles  St.  Clair  would  at 
once  have  been  chosen.     However,  the  examination  pro- 


116  THE   SCENE   CHANGES. 

ceeded  until  the  last  name  on  the  list  was  reached,  when 
it  was  universally  admitted  that  Charles  St.  Clair  had 
stood  the  test,  coming  up  to  the  required  standard,  pos- 
sessing in  an  eminent  degree  the  special  qualifications 
necessary  to  fill  the  station,  in  itself  one  of  the  utmost 
importance.  So  it  came  about  he  was  unanimously 
selected,  more  to  his  own  than  the  satisfaction  of  those 
rejected. 

The  examination  at  length  concluded,  the  clerk  of 
the  board  announced  to  the  successful  candidates  of 
both  branches  of  the  service,  seamen  and  marines,  that 
quarters  would  be  assigned  them  in  a  large  building  near 
the  docks  specially  arranged  for  their  accommodation 
and  comfort;  while  all  expenses  for  board  and  whatever 
else  was  deemed  necessary,  would  be  paid  by  their 
employer.  Yet  it  must  be  understood  that  they  were  to 
remain  under  strict  surveillance  until  the  ship  was  in 
readiness  to  sail,  no  one  of  their  number  in  the  mean- 
time being  permitted  to  leave  his  quarters  other  than  bj 
a  pass  granted  by  an  officer  detailed  for  the  purpose  of 
looking  after  their  wants;  and  that  under  no  circum- 
stance or  contingency  that  might  arise  would  they  be 
allowed  to  leave  or  to  go  outside  the  city's  limits. 

That  these  stringent  measures  were  of  the  utmost 
importance,  none  could  well  doubt ;  as  should  entire  lib- 
erty be  granted,  desertions  would  doubtless  become  of 
frequent  occurrence  ;  which  could  not  for  a  moment  be 
tolerated,  as  the  vessel  was  so  nearly  ready  for  sea,  that 
orders  for  the  crew  to  go  on  board  might  be  expected  at 
any  day. 

Charles  St.  Clair  now  breathed  easier,  for  before  many 
days  should  elapse,  he  hoped  to  be  out  of  reach  of  his 
energetic  foes.  So  proceeding  to  the  quarters  assigned 
him,  he  immediately  commenced  his  duties  by  drawing 
up  a  roster  of  crew  and  marines,  and  making  himself 
thoroughly  conversant  with  the  duties  pertaining  to  the 
position  of  ship's  clerk. 

The  probable  length  of  time  they  were  to  remain  in 
their  present  quarters,  was  known  only  to  the  officials ; 


BUILDING  THE  CRUISER.  117 

as  some  little  time  would  doubtless  be  necessary  in 
attending  to  the  various  details  of  preparing  the  ship  for 
sea,  placing  on  board  provisions,  armament  and  amuni- 
tion,  now  as  was  presumed  in  full  progress ;  though  as 
to  the  stage  to  which  it  had  arrived,  no  one  seemed  to 
possess  much  knowledge. 

The  one  great  thought  occupying  Herman's  mind, 
nearly  to  the  exclusion  of  all  else,  was  that  of  inform- 
ing his  sister  Nelly  of  his  whereabouts.  Yes,  how  much 
he  would  like  to  tell  her  of  his  adventures!  Yet,  upon 
reflection,  he  considered  it  too  hazardous  to  expose  his 
situation  to  the  chances  of  the  post  in  conveying  letters 
to  his  old  Virginia  home,  so  be  would  defer  the  good 
news  until  settled  on  shipboard ;  then,  on  the  eve  of 
sailing,  he  could  write  with  little  fear  of  exposure  or 
detection. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

BUILDING  THE  CRUISER. 

SOME  six  months  prior  to  the  publication  of  the 
notices  in  the  New  York  Herald  and  Charleston 
Mercury,  soliciting  the  recruiting  of  sailors,  marines  and 
ship's  clerk,  an  uncommonly  large  vessel  lay  on  the 
stocks  in  process  of  construction  at  a  noted  shipyard  in 
a  Northern  seaport.  This  vessel,  of  two  thousand  tons 
burden,  was  being  constructed  of  the  best  material  that 
could  be  procured  in  the  whole  region  of  country  for 
hundreds  of  miles  round  about.  Every  rib,  plank  and 
timber  was  of  solid,  thoroughly  seasoned  oak,  both 
sound  and  strong.  As  the  work  progressed,  the  most 
generous  wages  were  paid  to  the  workmen  employed. 
At  the  same  time  the  utmost  secrecy  was  observed  as  to 
the  service  in  which  she  was  to  be  employed,  as  also  her 
destination. 

The    presumed   owner   and   known   contractor,   after 


118  BUILDING  THE  CRUISER. 

thoroughly  canvassing  the  situation,  believed  he  had 
found  the  right  man  for  sailing-master  in  the  person  of 
Jonathan  Perkins,  a  sea  captain  of  excellent  reputation, 
acquired  by  many  years  of  sea  experience.  He  was  a 
man  some  forty-five  years  of  age,  and  one  who  would 
undoubtedly  fill  the  position  with  credit  to  himself  and 
benefit  to  his  employer. 

The  captain  had  retired  from  sea  life  some  four  years 
previous,  thinking  to  spend  the  remainder  of  his  days 
in  the  enjoyment  of  an  income,  not  large,  yet  deemed 
sufficient  for  his  future  needs,  acquired  by  many  long 
years  on  shipboard.  Though  still  in  the  prime  of  life, 
he  seemed  well  contented  and  happy.  Yet  the  ofier  of 
the  command  of  a  fine  ship,  together  with  the  most  lib- 
eral pay,  formed  a  combination  hard  to  resist.  For  it 
must  be  admitted  sea  life  still  possessed  many  charms  for 
the  captain,  more  perhaps  than  he  cared  to  admit.  So 
the  captain  decided  to  accept  the  position  tendered, 
immediately  preparing  the  notice  previously  mentioned, 
for  publication  in  both  theiVet^  York  Herald  and  Char- 
leston Mercury. 

As  before  remarked.  Captain  Perkins  was  a  man  of 
some  means,  possessing  an  income  sufficient  for  comfort, 
if  not  luxury,  for  both  himself  and  an  only  daughter, 
Bessie,  seventeen  years  of  age,  whose  mother  had  died 
in  the  girl's  infancy,  her  father  owning  a  comfortable, 
pleasantly  situated  little  home  in  the  seaport  town  where 
he  had  taken  up  a  residence  in  the  early  days  of  married 
life. 

The  captain  had  given  his  daughter  a  fair  education, 
at  least  as  good  as  the  local  schools  were  caj'able  of 
affording;  and  from  having  improved  these  advantages, 
she  was  in  general  affairs  considered  unusually  proficient; 
and  while  not  a  skilled  musician  or  an  especial  patron- 
ess of  the  fine  arts,  she  was  an  excellent  liousekeejier, 
far  more  gratifying  to  her  father  than  the  so-called 
accomplishments  usual  to  young  ladies'  seminaries. 

Bessie  had  seen  a  good  deal  of  the  world,  at  least  fi'om 
a  sailor's  standpoint,  having  accompanied  her  father  on 


BUILDING  THE  CRUISER.  119 

several  long  voyages  to  foreign  lands,  yet  she  liad  never 
met  any  man  for  whom  she  entertained  the  least  feeling 
of  sentiment  other  than  friendship.  A  maiden  sister  ot 
her  father's  had  taken  charge  of  and  brought  her  up, 
until  at  the  age  of  ten  the  captain  had  taken  her  with 
him  on  her  first  voyage.  Since  that  time  she  had  been 
his  companion  on  many  similar  voyages,  until  she  was 
nearly  as  good  a  sailor  as  her  father ;  able  to  reef  a  top- 
sail, box  the  compass,  take  bearings;  in  short,  should 
occasion  demand,  she  could  navigate  a  ship  round  the 
world.  Yet  during  the  many  years  of  sea  going  life,  the 
education  so  intelligently  pursued  in  school  had  not 
remained  neglected.  Having  there  laid  the  foundation, 
afterward  helped  by  her  father,  it  in  the  end  came  about 
that  the  captain  would  nearly  as  soon  have  gone  to  sea 
without  a  mate,  as  to  have  left  Bessie  behind.  Many 
girls  brought  up  in  a  similar  manner,  would  have 
acquired  boisterous,  rough  habits.  It  was  not  so,  how- 
ever, with  Bessie;  for  as  her  father  was  an  acknowl- 
edged gentleman,  she,  though  in  sailor's  rig,  was  in  every 
sense  a  born  lady.  The  man  who  either  desired  or 
deserved  her  esteem,  must  at  all  times  act  the  part  of  a 
gentleman ;  and  from  having  few  associates  of  either 
sex,  those  who  aspired  to  her  hand  had  thus  far  been 
few. 

Having  secured  the  full  complement  of  seamen  and 
marines.  Captain  Perkins  now  turned  his  attention  to 
the  arming  and  provisioning  the  large  ship;  when  find- 
ing it  necessary  to  employ  additional  clerical  help,  he 
broached  the  subject  to  the  newly  appointed  ship's  clerk, 
inviting  him  to  accompany  him  to  the  seaport;  taking 
station  on  shipboard  in  advance  of  the  regularly  enlisted 
crew,  whose  services  were  supposed  to  commence  only 
when  the  vessel  should  be  ready  for  sailing.  As  nothing 
could  have  better  pleased  the  young  man,  as  the  days 
passed  at  his  lodgings  were  becoming  somewhat  monoto- 
nous, the  invitation  was  gratefully  accepted  ;  from  which 
fact  we  now  find  him  an  inmate  and  occupant  of  a 
pleasant  upper  room  at  the  captain's  house. 


120  BUILDING  THE   CRUISER, 

Problem : — Given  a  nice  young  lady,  and  a  fine, 
gentlemanlike  young  man,  both  occupying  rooms  at  the 
same  house,  seated  at  the  same  table,  meeting  each  even- 
ing, what  would  be  the  natural  result  ?  Either  of  two 
things — indifference  or  mutual  affection. 

In  the  case  of  these  two,  the  first  could  not  well  be 
considered,  while  the  latter  at  the  outset  was  a  self-evi- 
dent truth.  For  ere  a  couple  of  days  had  passed,  tlie 
young  lady  really  and  truly  believed  she  had  met  her 
fate,  the  one  who  in  any  possible  event  was  destined  to 
decide  her  future. 

On  his  part  he  thought :  "  "Was  there  ever  one  of  the 
opposite  sex  possessed  of  a  like  number  of  charms, 
feminine  graces,  and  as  to  personal  appearance,  such 
exquisite  masses  of  wavy  chestnut  locks  ?  And  who  ever 
saw  such  heavenly  blue  eyes  ?  And  as  to  lips,  ye  Gods  1 
that — well,  what  on  earth  were  they  made  for,  unless  to 
be  kissed  ?  " 

On  their  first  meeting,  Bessie  had  said  to  herself, 
"  What  a  fine  young  man  !  "  The  second,  "  How  gentle- 
manly 1  I  think  I  shall  like  him."  On  the  third,  '*  I 
guess  I  don't  care — much — for  him,"  (a  sure  symptom 
she  did),  and  on  each  succeeding  meeting,  '*  Whatever 
shall  I  do  without  him  I  " 

With  the  ship's  clerk,  'twas  a  case  of  love  at  first 
sight ;  irretrievable,  inevitable,  as.  his  heart  was  truly 
smitten  and  that  deeply  ;  as  he  said  to  himself,  "  The 
first  and  only  time  in  my  whole  life."  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances, what  could  he  do  but  fall  down  and  worship  I 
Aye,  and  worship  he  did,  with  his  whole  soul  and  being, 
the  lovely,  pure  minded,  fascinating  maiden.  Yet  now 
the  question  arose,  "  Does  she  care  for  me  ?  "  The 
answer  was,  "  I  fear  not,  else  why  now  so  seek  to  avoid 
my  presence,  when  at  the  first  she  seemed  anxious  to 
court  my  friendship  ?  " 

Ah,  my  boy,  little  are  you  aware  of  the  wiles  ot 
Mother  Eve's  daughters,  ever  the  same  since  so  sorely 
tempted  in  the  primeval  garden,  where  the  progeni- 
tors of  the  race  fell  from  their  high  estate,  he  to  become 


BUILDING  THE  CRUISER.  121 

a  hewer  of  wood  and  drawer  of  water,  she  to  endure  a 
curse  transmitted  to  all  future  generations. 

So  it  came  about  a  week  or  so  later,  tLe  young  man, 
in  the  meantime  faithfully  attending  to  his  various 
duties  on  shipboard,  that  both  the  young  people  chanced 
to  be  sitting  one  beautiful  evening  in  the  front  porcli, 
conversing  on  subjects  wholly  foreign  to  their  inmost 
thoughts,  and  about  which  little  interest  was  manifested  ; 
until,  a  lengthy  pause  ensuing,  the  silence  was  abruptly 
broken  by  Bessie,  who,  seemingly  without  premedita- 
tion, suddenly  broke  out : 

"  Mr.  St.  Clair,  were  you  ever  in  love  ?  "  Then  bethink- 
ing herself,  she  hid  her  face  in  confusion. 

He,  startled  by  the  abruptness  of  the  question, 
remained  for  a  few  moments  in  doubt  as  to  a  suitable 
answer  ;  then  blusbingly  replied  : 

*'  Why,  no — yes — that  is  to  say — once." 

Upon  this  declaration  coming  from  one  on  whom  her 
thoughts  were  so  closely  centred,  Bessie  hung  her  head, 
her  mind  evidently  in  no  happy  frame ;  then  continuing, 
she  asked : 

"  Was  she  handsome?  or — better  perhaps  to  have  said, 
is  she  handsome  ?  " 

"  Yes,  in  my  eyes,  very,  very  handsome.  Not  only  so, 
but  good." 

"  How  old  is  the  lady  ?  "  inquired  Bessie. 

"About  seventeen,  I  should  judge,  though  I've  never 
asked  her." 

"  Are  you  very  much  in  love  with  her  ?  " 

"Yes,  I  can  truly  say  that  my  whole  heart  and  soul 
are  wholly  wrapped  up  in  her!  In  fact,  I  may  say  I 
consider  her  the  most  beautiful,  charming,  fascinating 
little  witch  I've  ever  met,  and  I  think — yes,  know  I  shall 
always  think  so  1 " 

Upon  these  startling  sentiments,  Bessie's  little  loving 
heart  nearly  ceased  its  beating,  the  usual  bright  rosy 
color  forsook  her  face,  and  really  she  seemed  about  to 
fall  in  a  faint. 

Charles,  frightened  at  the  deathlike  hue  of  her  couu- 


122  BUILDING  THE  CRUISER. 

tenance,  little  understanding  the  cause  of  this  sudden 
change,  cried : 

"  Why,  Bessie,  what — what  is  the  matter  ?  Have  I 
said  aught  to  displease  or  disturb  you  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  it's  nothing,"  she  replied,  "  a  sudden  faintness  to 
which  I  am  subject ;  possibly  a  sliyht  affection  of  the 
heart !  " 

So  to  test  her  feelings,  and  get  even  with  her  question- 
ing, he  in  turn  interrogated  her. 

"  Bessie,  were  you  ever  in  love  ?  " 

"Most  assuredly,  sir!"  assuming  a  dignified  air.  "Do 
you  for  one  momeut  suppose  that  girls  of  my  age  do  not 
fall  in  love  with  the  first  good-looking  gentleman  they 
may  chance  to  meet  ?  Why,  sir,  I've  been  in  love  ever 
since  I  can  remember  !  " 

"Possible!  Well,  Miss  Bessie,  to  come  to  the  point, 
and  the  one  I  am  most  interested  to  know,  are  you  in 
love  at  the  present  time  ?  " 

"  Without  a  doubt,  sir." 

"Is  the  gen — \X\e  fellow  good-looking?  " 

"  Oh  1  my,  yes  1  the  finest,  most  gentlemanly  person. 
Why,  sir,  there's  no  one  about  here  who  can  hold  a 
candle — no,  nor  even  compare  with  him,  in  my  estima- 
tion! And  I  will  go  still  further,  Mr.  St.  Clair,  I 
believe,  in  fact  know  I  love  him  with  my  whole  heart! " 

"  Have  you  given  the  obnox — the  fellow  to  under- 
stand— that  is  to  say — have  you  told  him  of  this  terrible 
affection  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  no,  sir !  nothing  of  the  kind  ?  He's  never  asked 
me,  though  I  am  quite  positive  he  intends  doing  so  some 
of  these  days;  for  you  see,  Mr.  St.  Clair,  he's — 01)  ! 
dear,  he's  so  bashful,  I  sometimes  think  I'll  have  to  do 
the  asking." 

"  Well,  one  more  question  about  this  paragon  of  all 
the  virtues  under  the  sun.  Do  you  love  him  now — as — 
as  well  as  ever  ?  " 

"  Yes,  and  a  thousand  times  better  !  " 

"  Is  the  individual — the  vil — aware  of  this  wonderful 
overpowering  affection  ?  " 


PEEPARlNG  FOR  SEA.  123 

"  I  don't  know,  sir,  possibly." 

'Twas  now  tlae  young  ship's  clerk's  time  to  turn  pale 
and  look  frightened,  possibly  feel  faint ;  anyhow,  the 
tables  were  nicely  turned,  and  he  had  yet  to  learn  that 
unsophisticated  young  gentlemen  like  himself  are  no 
match  for  the  girls  when  they  set  out  to  accomplish  some 
cherished  scheme  to  which  they  have  given  their  undi- 
vided attention.  Yet  he  scarcely  dared  to  show  his  true 
feelings  in  the  presence  of  one  who,  now  that  there  was  a 
prospect  of  losing  her,  was  becoming  more  and  more 
dear.  So  rising  from  his  seat,  he  said,  with  an  audible 
sigh : 

"  Miss  Bessie, your  father  may  be  needing  my  services, 
so  I  will  return  to  the  ship,"  forgetting  in  his  excite- 
ment that  no  more  work  would  be  done  until  the  next 
morning,  "so  I'll  bid  you  good-evening." 

The  moon  had  risen,  casting  a  flood  of  yellow  light 
about  the  cottage,  set  in  the  midst  of  cheerful  surround- 
ings. While  his  heart  scarcely  beat  in  unison  with  the 
brilliant  scene,  he  made  his  way  to  the  dock,  where  at 
her  moorings  lay  the  great  ship  silently  floating  on  the 
still  waters  of  the  harbor. 


CHAPTER  XYIII. 

PREPARING   FOR  SEA. 

ON  the  following  morning,  the  ship's  cle'rk,  busily 
engaged  in  his  calling  and  the  several  duties 
thereto  pertaining,  had  taken  a  seat  for  a  few  moments' 
rest,  when  suddenly  a  hand  was  laid  on  his  shoulder, 
accompanied  with  the  remark  : 

"  Well,  my  boy,  as  we've  now  everything  in  pretty 
fair  order  and  readiness  for  heaving  anchor,  I've  sent 
word  to  the  seamen  and  those  bloodthirsty  marines  to 
shake  their  quarters  in  town  and  come  aboard  in  time  for 
setting  sail  to-morrow   evening,  at   which   hour   I    am 


124  PREPARING  FOR   SEA, 

expecting  the  surgeon  and  chaplain;  so  I  think,  wind 
and  weather  in  our  favor,  we  will  soon  be  off." 

This  piece  of  news  imparted  to  his  young  friend  by 
Captain  Perkins,  originated  from  having  received  a  com- 
munication, postmarked  London,  on  the  previous  day, 
naming  the  hour  for  weighing  anchor  and  standing  out 
to  sea ;  also  stating  that  the  executive  officer  and  com- 
mander-in-chief would  appear  in  due  time ;  yet  in  any 
event,  sail  was  to  be  made  on  the  exact  day  and  hour 
stated  in  the  dispatches. 

Upon  receipt  of  the  above  communication,  a  perplexing 
thought  was  suggested  to  the  captain ;  which  in  the 
labor  and  excitment  attending  placing  the  vessel  in 
readiness  for  sailing,  had  been  quite  overlooked,  striking 
him  with  much  force.  It  was  none  other  than  that  his 
daughter  Bessie  was  to  be  left  behind.  He  would  only 
have  been  too  well  pleased  could  she  have  accompanied 
him  on  the  present  voyage,  which  under  ordinary  cir- 
cumstances he  would  have  permitted  ;  but  now,  owing  to 
the  uncertainties  as  to  the  point  of  destination  and  nature 
of  service  demanded,  it  was  scarcely  to  be  considered. 

After  much  cogitating  and  studying  the  matter  over,  a 
happy  thought  at  last  came  to  his  relief,  none  other  than 
the  fact  that  Mrs.  Jeannette  Albert,  a  married  sister  resid- 
ing in  the  city  of  New  York,  her  husband  a  prosperous 
merchant  in  affluent  circumstances,  would  he  beheved 
be  only  too  glad  to  have  Bessie  for  a  companion,  as  she 
had  no  daughter  of  her  own.  Why,  then,  not  leave 
Bessie  with  her? 

With  the  energetic  captain,  to  think  was  to  act.  So 
he  was  not  long  in  putting  the  project  in  shape  by  inter- 
viewing his  daughter,  who  readily  fell  into  the  scheme, 
saying  nothing  could  please  her  better.  While  it  grieved 
her  poor  heart  sorely  at  the  thought  of  being  so  long 
separated  from  her  father,  at  the  same  time  parting  from 
a  lover,  she  readily  acquiesced,  at  once  making  the  nec- 
essary preparations  to  carry  it  into  effect.  So  this 
troublous  affair  satisfactorily  adjusted,  the  captain  vig- 
orously pushed  on  his  work  with  a  much  lighter  heart. 


PREPARING  FOR  SEA.  125 

The  following  day  witnessed  the  arrival  of  the  ship's 
crew  and  marines,  together  with  the  chaplain  and  sur- 
geon, all  of  whom  took  up  their  quarters  on  board  the 
vessel. 

In  tlie  meantime,  the  ship's  clerk  determined  to  test 
his  fate  by  asking  Bessie  if  her  love  for  him  might  not 
be  brought  to  outweigh  that  for  the  other  misguided 
mortal.  So  tea  over,  he  proposed  a  walk,  wliich  being 
readily  agreed  to,  the  lovers  strolled  out  to  a  piece  of 
woods  some  distance  away,  where  they  were  soon  seated 
under  the  widespreading  branches  of  a  towering  oak. 

Both  were  silent  for  a  time.     Then  Charles  said  : 

"  Bessie,"  at  the  same  time  taking  a  willing  hand,  "  I 
told  you  I  had  loved  a  most  charming  lady.  I  spoke 
the  truth,  for  I  love  her  still.  I  also  said  she  was  hand- 
some, that  she  possessed  a  warm  heart,  true,  loving  and 
good,  one  well  worthy  the  affection  of  any  honest  man. 
In  telling  you  this,  I  can  at  the  same  time  solemnly 
affirm  I  have  not  in  the  least  changed  my  mind,  nor 
have  I  told  you  her  name.  I  need  not — you  know  it 
already.  The  one  and  only  love  of  my  heart,  the  first 
to  awaken  sentiments  of  genuine  affection,  in  the  full  sig- 
nificance of  its  meaning  in  which  I  now  speak,  sits  by  my 
side.  Yes,  Bessie,  you  are  the  one  for  whom  I  before 
confessed  that  love,  and  I  can  truly  say  the  only  one  to 
whom  I've  ever  given  a  thought  other  than  in  friend- 
ship, save  my  dear  sister  Nelly." 

Upon  hearing  these  generous,  noble  sentiments,  so 
warmly  expressed  by  her  lover,  Bessie's  heart  gave  a 
great  bound,  joy  illumined  her  countenance,  her  eyes 
beamed  with  delight ;  then,  looking  fearlessly  to  his 
face,  she  threw  her  arms  round  his  neck,  and  with  tears 
coursing  down  her  cheeks,  pillowed  her  head  on  his 
shoulder. 

The  young  man  had  his  answer,  a  thousand  times  more 
impressive  than  words  ;  and,  clasping  her  in  his  strong 
arms,  the  first  kiss  was  imprinted  on  her  lips — the  kiss 
of  pure  affection.  Misunderstandings  were  now  at  an 
end,  nothing  barring  the  way  to  mutual  happiness. 


126  PREPARING  FOR  SEA. 

Bessie  now  explained  to  him  the  arrangements  made 
by  her  father,  that  she  was  to  go  to  her  aunt's  home  in 
New  York. 

"  Oh  ! "  she  murmured,  "  my  love,  you  will  come  back 
to  me  soon?  " 

Though  now  young,  when  life's  romance  is  at  its  best, 
when  one's  pathway  is  strewn  with  roses,  no  height  is  too 
lofty  to  be  unattained,  no  difficulty  too  great  to  remain 
uiisurmounted,  no  ambition  too  high  to  remain  uncon- 
quered.  How  little  either  dreamed  of  the  long  separa- 
tion in  store,  of  the  agonized  waiting,  of  the  sunshine 
and  storm,  of  the  weary  hopeless  longing,  while  the 
heart  grows  sick  with  hope  deferred,  and  gray  hairs 
thickly  sprinkled  mingle  in  the  now  sunny  locks,  of  the 
many  long  years  of  dreary  suspense  which  must  elapse 
ere  they  should  again  bask  in  the  sunlight  of  love! 

"  Hope,  the  anchor  of  the  soul,"  the  harbinger  of 
joys  to  come,  a  ready  helper  as  youth  advances  and  is 
succeeded  by  maturer  years,  old  age  and  decrepitude ; 
and  the  prospect  of  a  happy  future,  however  slight, 
buoyed  the  lovers  up  in  this  their  hour  of  supreme 
content;  heart  beating  to  heart,  uniting  them  in  silken 
bonds  of  mutual  esteem,  yielding  promise  of  enduring 
felicity. 

As  it  was  necessary  for  all  to  be  stirring  at  an 
early  hour,  the  young  lover  retired  to  rest,  sleeping, 
dreaming,  visions  of  his  sweet  Bessie  floating  through 
his  drowsy  imagination;  while  she,  hopeful  and  strong, 
yet  sorrowed  at  the  thought  of  the  long,  separation. 

Eising  at  break  of  day,  breakfast  under  the  skilled 
hands  of  Bessie  was  soon  prepared.  Then  seated  at  the 
table,  the  voyage  was  discussed  ;  its  probable  duration, 
destination  and  object,  all  was  talked  over  without  any 
definite  conclusion  being  reached. 

But  time  was  hastening  with  rapidly  flying  wings. 
Much  was  yet  to  be  done  in  preparation  for  weighing 
anchor  at  the  appointed  hour,  so  Captain  Perkins  left  in 
company  with  his  skilled  assistant,  to  finish  and  clear  up 
the  remainder  of  the  work. 


PREPARING   FOR  SEA.  127 

At  last  the  long  looked  for  hour  of  sailing  approached, 
the  captain  active,  alert,  overlooking  the  huge  ship, 
scanning  each  detail,  that  no  time  might  be  wasted  at  the 
moment  of  sailing. 

Leaving  their  home  in  charge  of  a  middle-aged 
couple,  in  whom  they  placed  the  most  implicit  confi- 
dence; resulting  from  an  acquaintance  dating  back  many 
years,  our  friends  entered  a  barouche  and  were  soon 
driven  to  the  dock,  where  swung  the  proud  ship  destined 
to  bear  the  young  maiden  to  her  new  home,  her  father 
and  lover  to  unknown  seas. 

At  a  signal  from  the  captain,  the  sailors  took  station, 
some  in  readiness  to  cast  off,  others  at  the  capstan  to 
weigh  anchor,  while  the  rest  below  and  aloft,  awaited  the 
command  to  spread  the  broad  white  sails  to  the  favoring 
breeze. 

Now  the  ship  moves  majestically  seaward  with  yards 
squared  and  flag,  banner  and  bunting  lowered  to  the 
deck.  The  stout  tug  casts  off,  heading  for  port.  "  All 
sail  set !  "  reports  the  executive  officer.  The  watch  is 
told  off",  the  officers  repair  to  their  quarters,  and  the 
captain,  ship's  clerk  and  Bessie  alone  remain  on  deck. 
Tlie  former  is  vigorously  puffing  at  his  pipe,  while  cast- 
ing his  eyes  about  and  aloft  that  nothing  may  be  want- 
ing in  sail  or  rope ;  the  two  latter,  hand  in  hand,  gaze 
longingly  on  the  shores  just  left,  perchance  never  to 
set  eyes  on  them  again,  their  beloved  home  only  a  far 
away  memory. 

The  ship  soon  reached  the  harbor  and  port  of  New 
York.  Captain  Perkins,  accompanied  by  his  daughter 
and  the  ship's  clerk,  went  ashore,  ordered  a  hack,  and 
were  at  once  driven  to  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Jeannette 
Albert,  Bessie's  aunt,  where  she  was  received  with  open 
arms  and  demonstrations  of  good  will,  tending  in  large 
measure  to  set  the  captain's  mind  at  rest  in  regard  to 
his  daughter's  welfare  during  his  prolonged  absence. 

Taking  his  sisier  aside,  the  captain  informed  her  of 
his  intentions  as  to  leaving  his  daughter  in  her  care, 
expressing  the  hope  she  would  not  be  too  much  care  and 


128  PREPARING   FOR  SEA. 

trouble.  Being  assured  by  his  kind  sister  that  he  need 
have  little  fear  but  that  Bessie  would  be  taken  good  care 
of,  and  that  she  was  only  too  happy  to  have  the  young 
girl  with  her,  the  captain  felt  he  could  now  depart  easy 
in  mind. 

On  the  preceding  day,  while  on  board  ship,  Bessie's 
lover  had  detailed  a  full  account  of  his  past  life.  After 
describing  the  place  of  his  birth,  enlarging  on  tlie  beau- 
tiful home  on  the  banks  of  the  Eappahannock,  he  told 
her  of  his  brave  sister  Nelly,  declaring  that  to  her 
thoughtfulness,  intelligence  and  energy,  he  was  indebted 
for  liis  life.  He  told  her  that  he  was  the  only  son  and 
heir  of  the  Hon.  Thomas  Baxter,  a  leading  citizen  of  the 
old  Virginia  commonwealth.  The  colored  servants, 
including  Mara  Cloe,  his  nurse  from  infancy ;  Hector,  the 
aged,  faithful  preacher,  of  unbounded  influence  for  good 
over  his  little  flock,  all  came  in  for  a  due  share  and  full 
meed  of  praise. 

While  all  this  might  well  be  considered  as  uncommonly 
interesting  and  pleasing,  Bessie's  astonishment  knew  no 
bounds  when  he  related  his  college  adventures  and  sub- 
sequent  career ;  the  vile  charges  laid  against  him,  the 
imprisonment,  trial,  condemnation,  and  almost  execution  ; 
his  narrow  escape  through  the  intervention  and  conni- 
vance of  his  sister ;  his  subsequent  flight  and  intercep- 
tion of  the  sheriff's  posse  ;  the  heroic  part  played  by  his 
attached  and  "  never  to  be  forgotten  friend,"  the  mule  ; 
his  after  journeyings  to  the  city  of  New  York,  there 
meeting  her  father,  through  whom  he  secured  the  situa- 
tion on  board  ship.  "  And  all  the  rest,  Bessie,"  said  he, 
"you  already  know." 

While  paying  the  closest  attention  to  all  that  her  lover 
had  said,  Bessie  never  for  a  moment  questioned  its  truth 
or  his  innocence,  nor  the  imminence  of  the  peril  to  which 
he  must  necessarily  be  subjected  until  on  shipboard  and 
well  out  to  sea  ;  yet  she  averred ; 

"  The  story  seems  like  a  fairy  tale ! " 

"  With  the  fairies  left  out,"  said  Herman. 

Bessie  now  felt  not  only  willing,  but  anxious  that  lie 


THE   WOUNDED  LIEUTENANT.  129 

should  leave  lier ;  for  whatsoever  was  for  his  good  she 
fully  trusted,  never  for  one  instant  doubting,  yet  trem- 
bling for  his  safety  ;  for  her  loyal  little  heart,  true  as  steel, 
never  wavered  or  departed  from  its  integrity.    Said  she : 

"  Herman,  for  by  this  name  I  must  now  call  you,  my 
darling,  you  are  now  more  than  ever  endeared  to  me. 
Yes,  far  more  than  before  you  told  me  this  strange  tale. 
The  trials  you  have  encountered,  the  hardships  you  have 
so  heroically  borne,  have  shown  me  your  truly  noble 
character,  and  I  can  now  better  appreciate  the  treasure 
I've  won.  Now  trust  me  when  I  afl&rm,  for  weal  or  woe, 
suffering  or  danger,  I  am  yours,  yours  alone,  yours  for- 
ever ! " 

The  time  for  parting  at  last  came,  and  clasping  each 
other  in  one  long,  fond  embrace,  adieus  were  spoken,  the 
last  farewell  kiss  exchanged. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

THE  WOUNDED   LIEUTENANT. 

I  SAY,  Surgeon  Bromley,  how  do  you  find  the 
young  fellow  this  morning  ?     Pretty  bad,  eh  ?  " 

"  Well,  yes,  Colonel,  got  a  bad  cut  in  the  left  lung, 
and  a  ragged  slash  in  the  thigh,  hemorrhage  fearful." 

"What  are  the  chances.  Doctor?  Think  he'll  pull 
through  ?  " 

"  Chances,  Colonel  ?  About  one  in  ten,  I  should  say. 
Might  possibly  shade  it  a  little.  As  to  pulling  through, 
first,  weather's  hot  as  tophet,  sir- — and  that's  against  him. 
Second,  in  his  favor,  good  general  health,  strong  constitu- 
tion— and  then,  too,  he's  young.  Why,  Colonel,  he's  only 
twenty-four.  Comes  of  a  long-lived  family  ;  fighting 
stock,  and  good  blood." 

"  Well,Bromley,  honestly  speaking,!  wouldn't  have  had 
this  thing  happen  for  a  month's  pay.  In  the  first  place, 
it  delays  us  in  getting  off,  and  then,  in  my  opinion,  it 


130  THE  WOUNDED  LIEUTENANT. 

don't  give  the  regiment  a  first  rate  send  off,  see  ?  Yet, 
in  any  event,  we  must  start  not  later  tLan  eight  this 
evening,  for  the  governor  tells  me  he's  received  a  des- 
patch from  Beauregard,  saying,  '  Tell  Emberly  to  hurry 
up  that  crack  cavalry  of  his,  as  we're  likely  to  have  a 
brush  at  most  any  day.'  So,  Bromley,  I  think  you'd 
better  stay  by  Blanch ard  for  a  week  or  so.  By  that 
time  he'll  likely  be  on  the  road  to  recovery,  or  as  he 
says,  '  petered  out.'  " 

"  That's  true.  Colonel.  Yes,  I  think  that  will  be  the 
better  way.  But  let  me  say  to  you  that  Steele's  the 
right  sort,  and  if  he  don't  come  out  of  his  first  fight  a 
captain,  you  can  set  me  down  as  a  false  prophet.  The 
fellow  wasn't  one  bit  to  blame  in  that  affair,  if  I've  heard 
the  right  of  it,  and  so  you'll  find  when  you  come  to  look 
the  matter  up.  Why,  do  you  know,  'twas  all  about  that 
girl  of  Judge  Foster's.  She's  handsome  as  an  angel  and 
as  fickle  and  full  of  the  devil  as — well,  she'd  make  any 
man  want  to  fight  his  grandmother,  if  tbe  venerable  lady 
stood  in  his  way.  That's  what  they  all  say,  anyhow. 
That  Blanchard's  been  sweet  on  the  girl  for  a  long  time 
we  all  know.  I  did  hear  they  were  engaged.  Then 
this  Steele  came  along.  He's  a  Yirginian,  and  deuced 
good-looking  and  all  that,  a  mighty  fine  fellow  to  boot." 

"Well,  Doctor,  we  must  court-martial  the  fellow  at 
all  events — for  the  good  of  the  service,  you  know — and 
as  it  won't  take  long  to  get  through  with  it,  I'll  give 
orders  for  court  to  meet  at  four  sharp.  But,  Bromley,  do 
the  best  you  can  for  Blanch  ard.  Men  who  are  so  ready  to 
fight  for  the  girl  they  love^  won't  be  likely  to  show  the 
white  feather  when  they  meet  the  Yanks.  No,  we  can't 
afford  to  lose  that  kind  of  stock,  except  maybe  in  bat- 
tle. But,  Doctor,  how  is  the  general  health  of  the  regi- 
ment?    Are  any  on  the  sick  list?  " 

"  Only  three  or  four.  Colonel,  and  they  are  more  home- 
sick than  anything  else  I  expect,  though  some  may  be 
a  trifle  faint-hearted,  realizing  it  ain't  going  to  be  a  pic- 
nic. In  fact,  some  of  the  boys  have  begun  to  take  it  in 
that  fighting's  the  main  object  in  this  business,  and  the 


THE   WOUNDED  LIEUTENANT.  181 

most  of  them  will  turn  out  pretty  good  pluck,  I  imag- 
ine." 

"  Well,"  replied  the  colonel,  "  get  them  round.  I 
don't  want  to  leave  any  behind.  I  would  rather  take 
the  field  with  a  full  regiment.  By  the  way,  Doctor,  they 
say  I've  got  the  finest  cavalry  in  the  Confederate  service, 
and  if  they  don't  make  their  mark  on  the  '  Blue  Jackets' 
— but  I  must  be  going,  as  I've  a  host  of  things  to  see 
to  before  we  leave,  so  I'll  say  good-morning." 

Then  summoning  an  orderly,  he  sent  word  to  the 
quartermaster  for  transportation  to  be  ready  at  eight 
o'clock. 

Four  o'clock,  the  hour  set  for  the  examination  by 
court-martial  of  Lieutenant  Duke  Steele,  had  now  arrived. 
The  judge-advocate,  clerk  of  court,  Colonel  Eichard 
Emberly,  together  with  Carrie  Foster,  as  principal, 
and  really  the  only  witness,  and  a  large  number  of  spec- 
tators were  present. 

The  charge  brought  against  Lieutenant  Steele  was 
none  other  than  that  of  attacking  and  seriously  wound- 
ing a  brother  officer  without  provocation.  The  charge 
being  read  by  the  clerk,  the  lieutenant  pleaded  not 
guilty. 

The  only  spectator  present  at  the  scene  of  combat, 
Carrie  Foster,  being  sworn,  testified  to  the  insult  given 
by  Lieutenant  Blanchard,  immediately  followed  by  an 
attack.  She  averred  that  Steele,  instead  of  being 
the  aggressor,  simply  acted  on  the  defensive;  thus 
the  blow  causing  his  antagonist  to  fall  senseless  could 
not  well  have  been  avoided,  as  otherwise  he  would  hav^ 
been  left  wholly  at  Blanchard's  mercy,  and  his  life  in 
the  most  imminent  peril. 

The  above  facts  clearly  substantiated  by  the  beautiful 
and  doubtless  truthful  witness,  whose  testimony  was 
taken  for  what  it  would  seem  naturally  worth  when 
coming  from  so  high  a  source.  Lieutenant  Steele  wad  not 
only  honorably  acquitted,  but  restored  to  his  former  rank. 
Meantime  admitting  to  the  court  that  no  ill-feelings  were 
entertained  by  him  against  his  wounded  comrade. 


132  THE   WOUNDED   LIEUTENANT. 

Tims  an  affair  promising  at  one  time  results  of  a  most 
serious  character,  was  settled  amicably  to  all  save  one 
of  those  most  interested,  now  lying  in  a  dangerous  ill- 
ness. 

The  time  set  for  the  departure  of  the  regiment  now 
approached.  Thousands  of  Montgomery's  citizens  throng 
the  railway  station  ;  multitudes  from  the  adjacent  coun- 
try block  the  avenues ;  large  numbers  from  distant  por- 
tions of  the  State,  friends,  sons,  brothers,  sweethearts  and 
lovers  of  the  "Boys  in  Gray,"  so  soon  to  leave;  their 
thoughts  heavy  with  memories  of  the  past,  and  minds 
filled  with  dread  forebodings  of  the  future  ;  while  others 
look  on  in  careless  attitude,  attracted  by  the  novel  spec- 
tacle and  wishing  to  say  good-bye. 

Now  the  governor  of  the  State,  followed  by  a  brilliant 
staff",  appears  riding  leisurely  down  the  thronged  street, 
the  ringing  cheers  and  loud  hurrahs  of  the  multitude  ris- 
ing in  tumultuous  applause  and  joyous  acclaim  in  greet- 
ing to  the  chief  magistrate  of  proud,  wealthy  Alabama. 
In  short,  the  city  seems  fairly  alive,  and  swarming  with 
anxious  citizens  and  expectant  countrymen,  all  eager  for 
a  glimpse  of  the  most  noted  personageof  the  great  com- 
monwealth ;  the  lads  and  young  men  in  open-mouthed 
wonder  ;  the  lasses,  young  maidens,  middle-aged  women 
and  venerable  grandmothers  ;  the  former  in  bright,  the 
last  in  dim-eyed  though  unconcealed  admiration,  when 
for  the  first  time  beholding  a  figure  of  such  exalted  sta- 
ion;  while  each  housetop  and  open  window  is  filled  with 
eager  onlookers,  scanning  with  curious  glances  the  long 
files  of  soldiers  in  brilliant  panoply,  as  marching  by  in  ser- 
ried column,  each  lifts  a  cap  in  token  of  farewell.  Every 
car  window  and  door  is  framed  with  face  of  lover  and 
sweetheart,  who  with  words  of  comfort,  looks  of  affec- 
tion and  love,  cheered  the  departing,  many  of  whom 
would  never  again  be  seen  by  friend  or  lover;  their  last 
resting-place  a  little  brown  hillock,  away  down  in  some 
Virginia  forest  glen  or  lonely  hillside  where  perchance 
they  fell,  offering  a  life  in  defence  of  the  land  they  loved 
so  well. 


JOURNFY   TO   THE   CAPITAL.  133 

Anon  the  sharp  toued  bell  signals  the  moving  of  the 
heavy  train,  the  conductor  shouts  "  all  aboard,"  the  ear- 
piercing  steam  whistle  sounds  forth  one  shrill  prolonged 
farewell,  and  amid  the  waving  of  handkerchiefs,  clap- 
ping of  hands  and  cheers  of  spectators,  the  long  train 
moves  slowly  away,  its  speed  rapidly  increasing,  until 
fading,  growing  each  moment  less,  it  is  at  last  lost  to 
view.  The  masses  standing  silent,  spellbound,  waiting, 
watching ;  then,  with  one  simultaneous  sob,  turn  their 
steps  homeward,  sorrowing  thus  to  part  with  the  loved 
ones ;  who,  in  turn,  cast  many  backward  glances  on 
scenes  and  faces  to  many  hereafter  a  memory  only  For 
the  south  bound  trains  would  ere  a  few  short  days  have 
passed,  bear  to  their  sorrowing  hearts  the  story  of  a 
great  battle  fought.  Aye,  won — yet  at  what  a  costly 
sacrifice  I  For  many  of  those  brave  spirits  who  had  so 
lately  left  them,  strong  in  hope  and  high  in  ambition, 
would  now  be  lying  under  a  heaped  up  mound,  on 
Manassas'  plain,  no  marble  shaft  or  chiseled  urn  to 
mark  their  last  lone  resting-place. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

JOURNEY   TO   THE   CAPITAL. 

REACHING  the  vicinity  of  the  Confederate  Capital, 
lately  transferred  to  Eichmond,  after  a  journey 
of  nearly  three  days,  the  regiment  went  into  camp,  when 
after  a  days'  rest,  they  took  up  their  daily  drill. 

The  long  journey  to  army  head-quarters  had  been 
made  under  most  favorable  and  happy  auspices,  in  fact  a 
'triumphal  march ;  for  each  city,  village,  hamlet,  or  sim- 
ple way  station  through  which  the  regiment  passed,  was 
in  each  instance  thronged  with  people  from  the  country 
round  about ;  gatliered  to  give  them  "  God  speed,"  thus 
with  kind  words  cheering  them  on  their  way.  Truly,  a 
royal  welcome  greeted  them  on  every  hand,  while  tables 


134  JOURNEY  TO  THE  CAPITAL. 

loaded  with  choicest  viands,  food  prepared  and  luxuries 
provided,  were  freely  offered  and  generously  placed  at 
their  disposal.  Great  bonfires  gleamed  from  the  neigh- 
boring hilltops,  the  boom  of  cannon  thundered  joyous 
acclaim. 

Ladies,  too,  were  there,  young  and  old,  the  bright  eyes 
of  the  former,  the  affectionate  smiles  and  hearty  greet- 
ings of  all  lending  an  additional  charm  to  the  efforts 
soon  to  be  put  forth  in  their  behalf,  bearing  sure  evi- 
dence to  the  high  appreciation  of  the  heroic  sacrifices 
the  "  Boys  in  Gray,"  the  defenders  of  land  and  home, 
were  now  making,  on  the  way  to  field  of  battle. 

The  war  was  new,  its  glittering  pomp  and  glorious  cir- 
cumstance were  new.  No  one  of  all  the  hosts  gathered, 
had  beheld  a  scene  like  this;  one  that  warmed  the 
heart,  stirred  the  blood,  filling  eacli  sense  with  an  emo- 
tion rare  and  strange.  Thus  each  onlooker  went  to  his 
home  with  a  better  defined  opinion,  a  wider  apprehen- 
sion of  its  meaning — the  meaning  of  war. 

Eegiments,  foot,  horse  and  artillery,  were  rapidly  mov- 
ing and  hourly  approaching  the  Confederate  Capital 
now  fairly  taking  on  a  warlike  aspect.  General  Beaure- 
gard, active,  alert,  vigilant,  at  the  head  of  the  magnifi- 
cent array,  so  rapidly  augmenting  in  numbers,  was  ener- 
getically striving  to  place  his  untrained  legions  on  a 
complete  war  footing.  Nothing  seemed  to  escape  the 
eye  of  the  great  leader.  The  most  insignificant  detail 
was  noticed  as  he  rode,  accompanied  by  his  brilliantly 
accoutred  staff,  along  the  lines ;  visiting  each  corps, 
division,  brigade  and  regiment ;  until  at  last  he  arrived  at 
the  camp  of  the  First  Alabama  Black  Horse  Cavalry, 
Colonel  Richard  Emberly,  commanding,  who  had  drawn 
up  his  regiment  in  line  in  honor  of  the  noted  chief. 

General  Beauregard  was  at  once  most  favorably  im- 
pressed with  its  nobel  bearing,  evident  intelligence,  the 
uncommon  beauty  of  the  steeds,  elegant  elaborate  uni- 
forms and  accoutrements  of  both  officers  and  men.  His 
face  wore  a  heightened  color,  his  eye  beamed  with 
delight ;  his  intuitive,  cultivated  intellect  spoke. 


JOURNEY  TO  THE  CAPITAL.  185 

"  If  our  soldiers  were  all  like  these,  what  could  the 
Yankees  expect  but  defeat !  " 

In  full  uniform,  his  brilliant  staff  about  him,  he  rode 
to  the  side  of  Colonel  Emberly,  who  greeted  him  with 
the  accustomed  military  salute.  General  Beauregard, 
introducing  each  member  of  his  staff,  warmly  congratu- 
lated the  colonel  on  the  fine  appearance  of  his  regiment, 
remarking : 

"  I  trust,  Colonel,  when  the  time  arrives  for  action,  they 
will  not  belie  their  appearance,"  which  was  succeeded  by 
the  laconic  reply,  "  General,  they  will  do  their  duty." 

Now  came  rumors  that  the  Federal  Army,  seventy- 
five  thousand  strong,  gathered  about  the  National  Capi- 
tal, are  about  to  move,  the  rallying  cry  "  On  to  Eich- 
mond." 

These  rumors  authenticated,  General  Beauregard  put 
his  legions  in  motion  ;  when  soon  after,  near  the  moun- 
tains of  Bull  Eun  and  on  the  plains  of  Manassas,  they 
were  met  by  the  Union  forces  in  a  clash  resounding 
throughout  the  civilized  world. 

The  Federal  forces,  numbering  seventy-five  thousand 
infantry,  cavalry  and  artillery,  imder  General  McDowell, 
the  largest  warlike  body  ever  before  assembled  under 
one  leader  on  the  American  Continent,  broke  camp  at 
the  National  Capital  on  the  twentieth  day  of  July,  1861, 
in  the  full  expectation  of  camping  in  the  streets  of  Eich- 
mond  at  an  early  day. 

Twenty  miles  away,  the  nearest  point  reached,  a  few 
days  later,  the  grand  army  were  to  be  seen  in  the  rear 
of  the  secure  entrenchments  so  lately  left  with  enthusi- 
asm and  hope — the  forward  march  imagining  triumph, 
the  retrograde  despondency  and  lost  hope — for  in  the 
interim,  Beauregard's  hosts  had  risen  up  a  wall  of  fire, 
thus  opposing  their  progress. 

A  few  hours  subsequent  to  the  commencement  of  this 
memorable  engagement,  the  First  Alabama  Cavalry  was 
ordered  to  make  a  flank  movement  on  a  part  of  the  Fed- 
eral line,  some  distance  away  to  the  right,  in  the  hope 
of  separating  the  detachment  from  the  main  line. 


136  JOURNEY   TO   THE   CAPITAL. 

Upon  receipt  of  the  order,  Colonel  Emberly  sprang  to 
horse,  the  trumpet  sounded  "  Boots  and  Saddles,"  when 
the  boys  mounted  and  were  away.  After  a  couple  of 
hours'  riding  they  came  upon  the  enemy,  who,  proving 
a  larger  body  of  infantry  than  was  expected,  and  being 
warned  of  the  approach  of  cavalry,  formed  in  hollow 
square,  presenting  a  solid  front  at  all  points  of  gleaming 
steel,  thus  awaiting  the  onset.     It  came ! 

Now  a  battery  on  a  distant  hillside  opens  with  shot 
and  shell,  tearing  through  the  ranks,  laying  many  a 
noble  steed  and  brave  rider  in  the  dust. 

At  this  moment,  a  bursting  shell  killed  Captain 
Shields,  mortally  wounded  Lieutenant  Barnes,  second  in 
command  of  the  company  of  Duke  Steele,  who,  now 
becoming  senior  officer,  took  command,  putting  himself 
at  its  head. 

Thus  was  fulfilled  the  prophecy  of  Surgeon  Bromley  : 
"  Lieutenant  Steele  will  be  made  captain  in  his  first 
battle." 

This  charge  of  the  First  Alabama  Cavalry,  while  bold 
in  conception  and  brilliant  in  execution,  was  nevertheless 
unsuccessful ;  for  the  Federal  columns,  standing  firm, 
opposed  a  front  and  force  which  could  neither  be  over- 
come nor  thrust  aside.  Shot  and  shell  from  the  hillside 
swept  through  their  ranks,  and,  fighting  like  warriors, 
they  struggled  and  died  like  heroes. 

Colonel  Emberly,  as  also  Captain  Steele,  fought  side 
by  side,  until  finding  the  battle  lost,  retreat  was  sounded 
and  they  regretfully  left  the  field. 

In  this  charge,  a  number  of  the  men  were  slain,  and 
still  more  wounded,  who  fell  into  the  enemy's  hands  ; 
while  Captain  Steele,  after  the  loss  of  two  horses, 
advanced  on  foot  at  the  head  of  his  command,  and  woe 
to  the  foe  who  came  within  reach  of  his  blade! 

The  unerring  judgment  displayed  on  the  field,  coupled 
with  his  gallant  bearing,  won  the  plaudits  of  his  com- 
mander ;  who,  in  private  dispatches  to  the  governor, 
eulogized  him  in  such  high  terms,  at  the  same  time 
recommending  him  for  promotion,  that  a   commission 


JOURNEY   TO   THE  CAPITAL.  137 

was  at  once  forwarded  to  him,  accompanied  by  the 
warmest  expressions  of  esteem  from  the  governor,  with 
the  hope  that  his  life  might  long  be  spared  to  his  friends 
and  country. 

The  hours  wear  on  and  still  the  battle  rages.  Soon 
cheer  on  cheer  rings  out  on  the  sultry  air  of  this  heated 
July  day,  now  so  rapidly  waning,  the  sun  in  a  cloudless 
sky  sinking  low  in  the  heavens.  The  Confederates, 
hardly  pressed,  fall  back ;  the  Unionists  jubilant,  victory 
assured,  advance.  Yet  stay  I  What  means  that  dense 
cloud  in  the  distance,  which,  rising  high,  still  higher  in 
the  stagnant  heated  atmosphere,  obscures  every  sign  of 
Hfe  or  motion?  Still  approaching,  comiug  near,  yet 
nearer,  until  from  out  its  shadow,  rising  and  falling  in 
graceful  folds,  behold  a  banner,  announcing  reinforce- 
ments— for  whom  ?  Still  nearer  they  come,  until  the 
heavy  cloud  rising,  displays  to  the  astonished  and  fright- 
ened gaze  of  the  victor,  long  serried  columns  of  gray. 
Their  burnished  arms  catching  the  rays  of  the  declining 
sun,  reflect  a  light  in  warning  to  the  Federal  arms,  of 
disheartenment— defeat. 

The  scene  now  changes,  a  transformation  as  by  magic. 

Tired,  weary,  worn,  thirsty,  longing  for  a  cooling 
drink,  faint  from  long  fasting,  the  late  victorious  forces 
waver,  turn,  fall  back — retreat — the  retreat  a  rout — the 
rout  a  panic,  until  even  the  drivers  of  the  massed  trains 
catch  the  infection.  Sutlers,  vivandieres,  camp  followers, 
civilians,  spectators  of  the  day's  struggle,  all  turn,  flee- 
ing affrighted.  Pandemonium  reigns!  The  wounded 
are  trampled  under  foot,  the  dead  crushed  to  an  unseemly 
mass. 

Now  away  yonder  to  the  right,  in  one  unbroken  line, 
mounted  men  appear.  With  banners  fluttering  in  the 
evening  breeze,  foam  flying  from  the  flanks  of  the 
swiftly  ridden  steeds,  they  charge  down  on  the  shattered 
and  broken  ranks  of  the  Federals,  the  commander.  Col- 
onel Emberly,  in  the  lead,  cheering  on  his  brave  follow- 
ers. At  his  side  rides  Captain  Duke  Steele,  who,  wav- 
ing  his   sword   aloft,  charges  the  dense  ranks  of   the 


138  JOURNEY   TO   THE   CAPITAL. 

affrighted  and  fleeing  soldiery  ;  who,  shouting  in  terror- 
stricken  tones  the  cry  "  The  Black  Horse  Cavalry,"  give 
way  to  their  fears,  laying  down  their  arms  in  surrender. 

The  scene  that  now  follows  beggars  description. 
Sorely  wounded  soldiers  crawl  away  to  some  obscure 
friendly  shelter,  there  to  yield  up  their  lives,  with  no 
consoling  hand  to  wipe  the  death  damp  from  fevered 
brow,  or  soothe  with  cheering  word  the  last  agony ; 
while  others,  foot  sore,  struggle  on  as  best  they  may  in 
scattered  column.  Commanders  in  vain  attempt  to  stay 
the  tide  of  retreat,  expostulating,  entreating,  threatening 
even,  but  flesh  and  blood  can  stand  no  more  I 

The  "  Boys  in  Blue,"  many  of  whom  had  never  known 
a  day  of  fatigue,  but  a  few  short  hours  before  had  taken 
up  the  line  of  march  from,  the  nation's  proud  capital, 
bright,  cheery,  hopeful,  banners  flying  in  the  breeze, 
drums  beating,  bands  playing,  the  way  enlivened  by 
song,  jest  and  story.  Now,  dusty,  weary,  disheartened, 
they  take  their  way  back,  gloom  settling  on  every  brow  ; 
while  the  sad  story  of  defeat  flashes  forth  to  city,  ham- 
let and  town,  telling  of  wounds  and  the  death  of  the 
loved  ones  who  so  lately  went  forth  from  the  protection 
of  home  and  fireside,  the  sheltering  arms  of  father, 
mother,  sister  or  sweetheart,  while  many  a  Avail  of 
anguish  goes  up  on  this  night  from  fond  loving  hearts  in 
those  far  away  New  England  homes. 

Government  officials,  legislators,  journalists,  men  of 
note  in  every  walk  of  life,  who  on  that  eventful  day  had 
ridden  to  the  sanguinary  field,  some  in  grand  turnouts, 
barouche  or  more  common  hack,  others  on  horseback, 
pedestrians,  all  now  mixed  up  in  the  general  confusion 
and  rout,  turn  back  with  sinking  hearts  and  sad  fore- 
boding. 

Is  this  an  overdrawn  picture?  Go  with  me  to  the 
cemetery  or  lonely  burial  ground  of  many  a  hamlet,  city 
or  town  in  our  land,  and  there  behold  the  silent  witness, 
a  tablet  "  erected  to  the  memory  "  of  some  brave  soul 
whose  bright  young  life  went  out  on  that  fateful  July 
day 


JOURNEY   TO   THE   CAPITAL.  139 

The  victorious  Confederates  again  take  up  the  line  of 
march,  returning  to  their  ahnost  deserted  capital.  A 
royal  welcome  and  joyful  greeting  is  extended,  the  days 
given  up  to  rejoicing,  the  nights  to  feast  and  mirth. 
Bright  eyes  beam  with  renewed  light  as  they  gaze  on 
the  happy  faces  of  the  "Boys  in  Gray"  and  tread  the 
broad  avenues  of  the  Confederate  Capital,  bands  play- 
ing the  march  of  victory,  while  shout  on  shout,  cheer 
after  cheer  go  up  from  the  thousands  gathered  to  wit- 
ness the  return  and  give  welcome  to  the  brave  defenders 
of  home  and  State.  Banners  and  bunting  float  from 
mast-head,  house-top  and  window,  scores  of  brazen 
mouthed  guns  echo  in  thunder  tones  from  hillside  and 
plain  a  welcome,  while  from  church  tower  and  steeple 
ring  out  loud  and  clear  joyous  notes  of  victory  won. 

The  First  Alabama  Cavalry  passing  through  the  main 
street  of  Richmond,  on  the  occasion  of  a  grand  review 
of  all  the  Confederate  forces  of  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia,  in  honor  of  the  governor  of  the  State,  together 
with  the  heads  of  Government  departments,  attracted 
general  attention  and  universal  admiration.  Their  soldi- 
erly bearing,  superb  uniforms,  magnificent  coal  black 
steeds,  won  the  plaudits  of  the  large  assembly  gathered 
to  witness  the  brilliant  pageant,  as  also  to  manifest  their 
appreciation  of  the  services  of  the  army  in  winning 
the  late  severe  contest  when  opposed  by  such  an  over- 
whelming force. 

Riding  at  the  head  of  his  company.  Captain  Steele  is 
pointed  out  by  many  of  his  admirers  as  the  heau  ideal 
soldier,  and  also  the  hero  of  the  late  battle.  The  men 
who  had  followed  him  to  the  death,  fought  by  his  side, 
willingly  bore  testimony  to  his  courage,  fearlessness,  and 
good  judgment  displayed  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  were 
now  ready  to  follow  wheresoever  he  might  lead. 

As  a  man  he  was  admired,  as  a  soldier  loved.  For 
where  the  fire  was  hottest,  where  shot  and  shell  fell 
thickest,  there  was  he  ever  to  be  found,  seemingly  bear- 
ing a  charmed  life ;  for  where  others  fell  like  leaves  in 
the  autumn  gale,  he  passed  unscathed. 


140  ILLNESS  OF   LIEUTENANT   BLANCHARD. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

ILLNESS  OF  LIEUTENANT   BLANCHARD. 

LIEUTENANT  CYRIL  BLANCHARD,  at  his 
home  in  far  away  Montgomery,  enduring  untold 
tortures,  hovering  many  days  between  life  and  death,  the 
intense  summer  heat,  with  scarcely  one  cooling  breeze, 
adding  greatly  to  his  sufterings,  was  certainly  an  object 
to  be  pitied. 

Surgeon  Bromley  had  faithfully  remained  at  his  bed- 
side the  allotted  time.  Then  receiving  word  of  the 
impending  battle,  and  becoming  impatient  of  the  enforced 
restraint,  he  had  called  to  his  assistance  a  brother  prac- 
titioner, resigning  his  patient  to  his  charge.  He  took  a 
hasty  departure  for  the  field  of  blood  and  carnage,  where 
he  could  indulge  his  love  for  amputating  limbs  and 
extracting  bullets  to  his  heart's  content.  Yet  it  cannot 
well  be  doubted  his  coming  was  hailed  with  delight  by 
those  of  the  regiment  who  were  aware  of  his  great  skill, 
well  knowing  it  would  soon  be  required. 

Upon  the  leave-taking  by  Lieutenant  Steele  of  the 
judge's  daughter,  it  was  mutually  agreed  a  correspond- 
ence should  be  kept  up  and  letters  written  as  frequently 
as  circumstances  would  permit,  which  on  his  part  might 
not  be  often,  consequent  upon  his  military  duties.  So, 
immediately  upon  the  regiment  reaching  head-quarters, 
he  wrote,  telling  of  his  safe  arrival  and  the  incidents 
connected  with  it,  together  with  such  other  matters  as 
were  deemed  of  interest,  notably  the  ovations  given  to 
the  regiment  on  the  route,  all  of  which  he  presumed 
would  be  pleasing  to  the  lady. 

At  the  close  of  his  first  battle,  he  again  wrote,  ignor- 
ing in  large  measure  the  important  part  he  had  taken, 
yet  giving  the  Black  Horse  Cavalry  the  credit  their  due 


ILLNESS   OF   LIEUTENANT   BLANCH ARD  141 

in  an  engagement  terminating  so  gloriously  to  the  Con- 
federate arras.  Yet  one  fact  was  not  overlooked  in 
the  letter,  his  promotion  on  the  field  owing  to  the  fall 
of  his  senior  in  command.  At  the  same  time,  while 
extolling  the  deeds  of  his  comrades,  he  made  light  of  his 
own. 

To  both  of  these  letters,  Carrie  replied  in  terms  of 
affection,  though  not  especially  warm. 

Again  he  wrote.  This  letter  was  not  answered  for  a 
considerable  length  of  time,  and  then  in  a  decidedly  cool 
manner.  To  the  next  no  answer  was  received.  Later 
ones  sharing  a  like  fate,  the  captain,  rack  his  brains  as 
he  might,  could  arrive  at  no  satisfactory  conclusion. 
The  solution  was,  however,  an  easy  matter,  and  just 
what  he  should  have  expected. 

That  Carrie  Foster  was  an  exceedingly  beautiful  and 
fascinating  girl,  no  one  could  well  question  ;  that  she 
was  fickle  and  unscrupulous,  winning  hearts  more  for  the 
pleasure  of  giving  pain  than  from  any  warm  feeling  or 
generous  sentiment,  few  could  deny,  as  numerous  con- 
fiding souls  would  testify ;  and  while  she  entertained  as 
much  genuine  affection  for  the  handsome  young  officer 
as  she  had  for  her  admirers  in  the  past,  her  afiections 
were  exceedingly  evanescent.  "Out  of  sight,  out  of 
mind,"  was  a  characteristic  feature  in  her  case.  So  the 
neglect  in  answering  the  letters  of  Captain  Duke  Steele 
came  about  in  this  manner: 

One  hot  sultry  afternoon,  scarcely  a  breath  of  air  stir- 
ring, the  sun  one  glare  of  fire,  beating  in  remorseless 
fury  on  the  heated  parched  earth,  no  cloud  to  shield  its 
seething  rays,  no  bird  warbling  from  bush  or  tree,  no 
sound  save  the  beating  wing  of  some  busy  bee  in  its 
rapid  flight,  or  rasping  insect  in  the  shad}^  covert,  Lieu- 
tenant Blanch ard  sent  a  message  to  Carrie,  entreating 
her  to  come  and  spend  a  little  time  by  his  sick  bed,  as 
he  had  neither  seen  nor  heard  from  her  since  the  night  of 
the  affray  so  nearly  ending  his  life.  In  the  early  stage 
of  liis  illness,  a  great  longing  had  come  over  him  to  be 
with  his  regiment.     For  brave,  courageous  and  fearless, 


142  ILLNESS  OF   LIEUTENANT   BLANCHARD. 

lie  wanted  to  be  riding  side  by  side  with  his  comrades 
in  tlie  heat  and  strife  of  battle.  Yet  now  sick,  faint, 
weary,  his  heart  went  ont  to  the  girl  whom  he  still 
loved. 

Carrie  received  the  message  from  the  hand  of  a  col- 
ored servant,  who  in  explanation  said  : 

"  Marse  Cyril  am  berry  bad,  an'  don'  want  to  see  Missy 
Carrie  berry  'ticlar.     Don'  yo'  com'  Missy  ?  " 

"Yes,  Ginger,"  she  replied,  "you  may  tell  'Marse 
Cyril '  I'll  come  directly." 

So  hastening  to  don  a  light  wrap,  "  Missy  Carrie  "  soon 
stood  at  the  bedside  of  her  lover;  when  seeing  him 
lying,  pale,  haggard,  helpless  and  nearly  hopeless,  a  great 
wave  of  sorrow  mingled  with  pity  surged  through  her 
heart. 

With  all  her  faults,  Carrie  Foster  had  one  redeeming 
trait — though  few  had  as  yet  come  to  the  surface — 
sorrow,  and  compassion  for  the  suffering.  Fickle  as 
the  wind  though  she  might  be,  thoroughly  selfish 
and  unscrupulous  as  she  undoubtedly  was,  her  heart 
softened  when  thus  looking  on  her  old  lover — he 
whom  she  had  so  encouraged,  led  on  to  believe  in 
her  —now  lying  in  this  wretchedly  sad  condition,  at 
the  same  well  knowing  this  trouble  had  fallen  on  him 
through  his  supreme  love  for  her.  The  impetuous 
maiden  fell  to  the  floor  at  his- bedside,  tears  raining 
down  her  face.  Then  taking  his  thin  wasted  hands  in 
her  warm  clasp,  she  murmured : 

"Cyril,  can  you  forgive  me?  Oh  !  my  darling,  take 
me  back  to  your  heart,  all  unworthy  as  I  am.  For,  Cyril, 
I  am  yours  and  yours  only  !  " 

Throwing  his  weakened  arm  about  her,  drawing  her 
to  his  side  and  imprinting  a  kiss  on  her  lips,  Cyril,  in  a 
feeble  voice,  said : 

"  My  darling,  I  do  forgive  you.  The  great  over- 
whelming joy  of  having  you  again  with  me  almost  com- 
pensates me  for  all  I've  suffered.  Yes,  Carrie,  come 
back  to  me,  be  to  me  as  you  once  were,  and  the  past — 
it  is  already  forgiven,  so  shall  it  be  forgotten." 


ILLNESS  OF   LIEUTENANT   BLANCHARD.  143 

Thus  she  sat  by  his  sick  bed  the  long  afternoon,  fan* 
ning  his  fevered  brow,  bathing  the  throbbing  temples, 
giving  hira  sedative  draughts,  and  on  each  succeeding 
day,  tended  him  with  tlie  same  care  as  a  mother  a  sick 
child. 

From  this  hour,  the  lieutenant  began  to  mend,  until 
at  the  end  of  a  few  weeks  he  had  so  far  recovered  as  to 
sit  up  for  an  hour  or  two  each  day. 

****** 

Standing  in  front  of  his  tent,  engaged  in  conversation 
with  Surgeon  Bromley,  just  as  the  sun  was  dropping 
behind  a  range  of  distant  hills  at  the  close  of  a  sliort 
mid-winter  day,  the  eyes  of  Colonel  Emberly  were 
attracted  to  and  rested  on  the  figure  of  a  man  riding 
leisurely  in  the  direction  of  his  quarters.  A  young  man 
of  not  only  fine  but  distinguished  appearance,  in  the 
uniform  of  a  Confederate  cavalry  officer,  approached. 
Bringing  his  steed  to  a  hault  near  to  where  the  colonel 
and  surgeon  were  standing,  he  saluted  them,  extending 
a  hand  to  each,  laconically  remarking: 

"  Well,  Colonel,  here  I  am  !  You  don't  seem  to  rec- 
ognize me,  for  months  of  illness  I  well  know  have  sadly 
changed  my  appearance ;  but  I  could  stay  away  no 
longer,  and  have  come  to  take  my  place  with  the  boys 
in  the  regiment.  What,  don't  know  me  yet?  Have  I 
indeed  become  so  different  a  man  that  my  best  friends 
fail  to  recognize  me  ?  That — but  say,  Doctor,  you  don't 
go  back  on  me,  on  Cyril  Blanchard,  whom  you  left  six 
months  or  more  since,  wounded,  almost  dying?  " 

"Bless  my  soul!  "  ejaculated  the  surgeon,  upon  hear- 
ing the  name  of  the  young  lieutenant.  The  good  doc- 
tor's surprise  and  astonishment  knew  no  bounds.  Grasp- 
ing the  hand  of  the  lieutenant,  crying  ;  "  Is  it,  can  it 
be  possible  I  hold  the  hand  of  Cyril  Blanchard — that  he 
now  stands  before  me  in  the  flesh?  Ain't  no  spirit, 
Blanchard,  are  you  ?"  Then  to  the  colonel,  who  stood 
with  eyes  wide  open,  not  as  yet  saying  a  word :  "  Mir- 
acles, Colonel !     Heretofore,  Bible  miracles   I've   never 


144  ILLNESS   OF  LIEUTENANT   BLANCHARD. 

taken  much  stock  in,  but  'pon  my  soul  I  I  must  admit 
I  now  believe.  For  here's  this  young  fellow  I  wouldn't 
have  staked  the  chance  of  cutting  oft'  a  leg  on,  to  all  ap- 
pearance, I  was  going  to  say,  alive  and  well,  though  I'll 
take  part  of  that  back,  now  I  come  to  look  closer;  for 
while  I'rfi  assured  he's  alive,  he's  far  from  strong ; 
though  as  far  as  being  well  goes,  he's  a  little  too  peaked 
for  that  yet  awhile,  but  there's  lots  o'  fight  in  him  yet. 
Yes,  I'll  bet  high  on  that,  providing  there's  a  girl  back 
of  him.  Well,  my  boy,  glad  to  see  you,  'pon  my  word 
I  am,  and  here's  my  hand  on't." 

"Well,  Doctor,"  replied  the  young  officer,  good  natur- 
edly,  "  well  or  no  well,  you  haven't  run  out  of  gab  yet, 
and  if  you  still  make  the  blood  run  fast  as  you  talk, 
why  excuse  me  from  getting  in  your  hands  again." 

"  Aye,"  now  spoke  the  colonel,  thinking  there  was  a 
chance  to  get  a  word  in,  as  the  doctor  seemed  out  of 
wind,  "  truly  glad  to  both  see  and  welcome  you.  I  am 
really,  and  while  you  are  changed  in  looks,  a  few  weeks' 
campaigning  will  bring  you  around  all  right  again,  the 
color  to  your  cheek,  light  to  your  eye,  and  courage  to 
the  heart,  though  the  latter  I  don't  believe  you  lack." 

"Courage,  Colonel,  why,  that's  at  white  heat  already. 
What  it  may  be  when  charging  with  my  comrades  in 
battle — well,  we  shall  see." 

"  I'll  take  the  chances,  Blanchard,"  said  the  colonel, 
"but  we  must  look  up  quarters  for  you.  Here 
Euripides" — to  his  servant —  "take  Lieutenant  Blan- 
ch ard's  baggage.  I  say.  Sergeant,  is  there  not  a  spare 
tent  at  the  quartermaster's  ?  Go  and  see,  and  tell  him  to 
send  it  immediately. — Now,  Euripides,  take  charge  of 
the  lieutenant's  baggage  and  tell  orderly  Jim  to  see  to 
it  that  the  officer's  horse  is  well  cared  for.  He  looks 
tired,  and  you,  Blanchard — well,  I've  seen  giants  that 
were  stouter  than  you  look." 

"  Well,  Colonel,  I've  had  a  pretty  hard  time  of  it, 
worn  down  rather  thin  I  presume ,  but  I  couldn't  stay 
away  from  the  boys  longer,  because  3''ou  see  it  was  get- 
ting awfully  monotonous.     Quiet  as  the  grave  at  Mont- 


ILLNESS   OF   LIEUTENANT  BLANCHARD.  145 

gomery,  everybody  gone  to  war,  except  women  and 
children.  A  few  old  men  left  though,  and  some  of  the 
old  felldws  wouldn't  object  to  shouldering  a  musket  and 
strapping  a  knapsack  if  they  thought  they  could  be  of 
the  least  service." 

"  No,  I  presume  not,"  said  the  colonel,  "  and  by  the 
way,  Blanchard,  we  may  have  need  of  them  yet." 

Meeting  Captain  Steele  shortly  after  Lieutenant  Blan- 
chard's  arrival,  the  colonel  mentioned  the  fact,  adding: 

"  I  was  really  glad  to  see  him,  and  believe  him  at 
heart  a  thoroughly  good  fellow.  Yet  one  must  admit  the 
attack  upon  you  in  the  arbor  was  wholly  unwarranted  ; 
but  you  know,  Captain,  love  and  jealousy  are  the  very 
devil,  especially  the  latter,  when  it  takes  hold  of  one  in 
earnest.  Anyhow,  it  showed  good  grit  in  the  boy,  just 
what  we  need  here,  and  I've  little  doubt  but  that 
Blanchard  will  come  up  to  the  mark  as  a  soldier.  I 
trust,  Steele,  you  haven't  laid  any  grudge  up  against 
him,  eh?" 

"  Ah  !  no,  Colonel,  not  in  the  least.  For  I  believe  I 
hold  my  honor  in  too  high  estimation  to  do  a  mean 
or  contemptible  act,  or  cherish  enmity  toward  one 
who,  goaded  on  by  jealousy,  or  overcome  by  the  heat  of 
passion,  in  an  unguarded  moment  struck  a  blow  for  the 
girl  he  loved.  I  like  him  all  the  better  for  it,  Colonel, 
and  would  adjudge  any  man  a  coward,  unworthy  the 
love  of  a  true  woman,  who  would  not  stand  up,  and  if 
needs  be,  fight  for  her,  shedding  the  last  drop  of  blood 
flowing  in  his  veins  in  defence  of  her  good  name,  though 
this  latter  has  never  been  called  in  question  in  this 
instance,  at  least  to  my  knowledge." 

"  Nobly  spoken.  Captain  1 "  broke  in  the  colonel. 

Continuing,  Steele  said  :  "  Blanchard  is  the  only  one 
who  has  greatly  suffered,  and  if  he  chooses  to  forget  the 
past,  thus  acting  the  part  of  an  honorable  upright  gentle- 
man and  worthy  soldier,  I  am  not  only  willing  but  ready 
to  meet  him — half  way,  anyhow." 

"  But  how  about  the  girl,  Steele  ?  Are  you  as  much 
in  love  with  her  as  ever?  " 

9 


146  EXPECTED  BATTLE, 

"  Oh  !  no,  she's  gone  back  on  me,  just  as  I'm  sure  she 
will  on  Blanchard.  She  and  I  corresponded  awhile,  and 
I  thought  her  true  as  steel,  as  her  actions  when  we  last 
parted  led  me  to  believe  ;  but  her  letters  growing  cold, 
afterward  ceased  altogether.  She's  fickle  as  the  devil. 
Colonel,  so  they  all  say,  and  from  the  little  experience 
I've  had  with  her,  I'm  quite  ready  to  believe  the  story, 
I  did  hear  also  that  she  and  Blanchard  had  made  it  up, 
and  were  now  on  just  as  good  terms  as  ever  ;  and  if  such 
be  the  case,  I  am  quite  well  satisfied,  as  I  gave  up 
thinking  about  her  a  long  time  since.  Still  I  must  admit 
she's  mighty — fascinating." 

If  Captain  Duke  Steele  was  ready  and  only  too  will- 
ing to  forget.  Lieutenant  Cyril  Blanchard  was  not  equally 
so  to  forgive  ;  the  thought  of  the  long  months  of  sufJ'er- 
ing  still  rankled  in  his  breast. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

EXPECTED    BATTLE, 

RUMORS  of  another  great  battle  soon  to  be  fought 
were  flying  thickly  in  the  air. 

The  second  battle  of  Manassas,  where  two  immense 
armies  had  come  in  collision,  the  Federal  under  General 
Pope,  the  Confederate  in  command  of  General  Lee,  had 
been  fought  to  the  bitter  end  and  like  the  first,  under 
McDowell,  lost  to  the  Unionists. 

A  few  weeks  later.  General  McClellan  again  in  com- 
mand, had  been  sent  in  pursuit  and  had  overtaken  Lee 
at  Frederick,  where  six  miles  away  occurred  the  battle 
of  South  Mountain,  resulting  in  the  falling  back  of  the 
Confederates  to  the  vicinity  of  Sharpsburg,  a  small  town 
on  the  Maryland  shore  of  the  Potomac. 

About  the  middle  of  June  President  Lincoln  had  issued 
a  second  call  for  three  hundred  thousand  recruits,  which 
like    the  preceding  one,  had  been    responded   to   with 


EXPECTED  BATTLE.  147 

alacrity  and  much  enthusiasm  ;  so  that  now  are  seen 
regiment  after  regiment  arriving,  some  hurrying  to  the 
assistance  of  the  sorely  tried  Pope,  while  large  numbers 
are  held  in  reserve  to  cover  the  retreat  of  the  general  in 
case  his  army  is  beaten,  and  for  the  protection  of  the 
National  Capital, 

The  first  report  from  the  field  is,  "  The  enemy  are 
beaten.  Not  only  beaten,  but  driven — aye,  pursued  to 
their  very  capital  by  the  victorious  Federals,  who  are 
even  now  thundering  at  her  gates,  demanding  admit- 
tance." The  last  news  from  the  mountains  of  Bull 
Run  is,  "  Our  army  is  beaten  ;  are  fleeing  ;  Confederates 
in  full  chase."  So  these  new  regiments  were  at  once 
dispatched  to  cover  the  retreat  of  the  fleeing,  beaten 
troops. 

Standing  on  the  heights,  some  three  miles  away,  over- 
looking Alexandria  and  the  broad  expanse  of  valley, 
dotted  here  and  there  by  wooded  heights  and  picturesque 
plain,  there  stretch  on  either  hand  long  lines  of  earth- 
works. From  the  embrasures  protrude  the  yawning 
mouths  of  heavy  seige  guns ;  while  in  the  far  distance, 
to  the  north,  rises  high  in  air  the  burnished  dome  sur- 
mounting the  National  Capitol,  reflecting  the  burning 
rays  of  the  sun  on  that  hot  September  afternoon  ;  while 
to  the  left  the  bright  sparkling  waters  of  the  broad 
Potomac,  onward  rushing,  make  their  way  to  the  Chesa- 
peake Bay. 

Suddenly,  away  to  the  right  as  far  as  the  eye  may  dis- 
tinguish, the  head  of  the  Union  forces  appears,  emerging 
from  out  a  dense  dusty  cloud,  which  rising  in  stifling 
masses,  envelops,  obscures  all,  save  perchance  a  rem- 
nant of  some  tattered,  shot  torn  banner,  waved  aloft 
by  the  veteran  of  a  half  score  battles,  who  has  borne  it, 
and  clung  to  it  through  the  strife  and  carnage  of  the  pre- 
vious day's  fight.  The  general  commanding,  followed 
by  his  staff,  rides  at  the  head  of  the  long  straggling 
column  of  weary,  foot  sore,  disheartened,  possibly  hungry 
combatants,  who,  as  they  approach,  wheel,  turn,  falling 
back  behind  the  entrenchments. 


148  EXPECTED   BATTLE. 

Anotner  avenue  reveals  long  lines  of  artillery,  guarded 
by  compact  columns  of  cavalry,  with  baggage,  com- 
missary trains  and  sutlers'  wagons,  stragglers,  civilians, 
non-combatants,  and  all  the  paraphernalia  of  a  grand 
army  seeking  safety  in  flight  and  the  security  of  the 
well-guarded  earthworks. 

Casting  the  eye  in  still  another  direction,  there  is  seen 
emerging  from  out  a  dense  wood,  an  unbroken  line  of 
ambulance  carts,  bearing  the  wounded  and  dying  from 
the  battle  field  to  the  friendly  hospital  shelter  within  the 
borders  of  the  city ;  notably  several  of  the  large  Govern- 
ment buildings,  and  even  the  Capitol  itself  devoted  to  this 
purpose. 

More  than  two  years  had  now  elapsed  since  the  first 
bolt  was  launched  against  Sumpter,  the  first  gun  dis- 
charged, its  report  reverberating  and  echoing  to  the 
remotest  bounds  of  the  civilized  world,  calling  a  nation 
to  arms,  and  thus  had  ended  this  inglorious  day  for  the 
Union  !  The  victorious  Confederates  again  falling  back 
to  their  original  position  in  the  near  vicinity  of  their 
capital,  there  for  a  time  remained  at  ease,  recruiting 
their  strength  before  being  again  called  to  the  field. 

The  regiment  of  Colonel  Emberly  had  suffered  more 
severely  in  this  last  than  at  any  previous  engagement.  A 
large  number  were  slain  and  wounded,  several  of  the 
latter  mortally  ;  of  the  number  Lieutenant  Colonel  Ship- 
ley, who  died  soon  after.  Captain  Steele  as  usual  came 
out  of  the  battle  without  a  scratch,  and  had  any  one  asked 
him  wh}'  he  thus  escaped  unharmed  from  every  engage- 
ment, it  would  have  been  a  difficult  matter  for  him  to 
answer,  as  he  ever  courted,  rather  than  shunned  danger. 

This  last  campaign  having  terminated  so  gloriously 
for  the  Confederate  cause.  General  Lee  now  conceived 
the  bold  yet  hazardous  project  of  advancing  his  hitherto 
invincible  legions  to  the  soil  of  Maryland,  then  march- 
ing through  that  beautiful  and  wealthy  agricultural 
State,  which  up  to  this  time  had  remained  comparatively 
neutral.  The  general  argued  the  time  had  now  arrived 
when  the  Marylanders  might  easily  be  won  over,  not 
only  to  fully  recognize,  but  to  enlist  under  his  standard. 


EXPECTED  BATTLE.  149 

This  movement  of  General  Lee,  bold  as  it  was  in  con- 
ception, carried  forward  with  so  much  energy  and  skill, 
came  nigh  terminating  his  career ;  for  Geueral  McClel- 
lan,  the  idol  of  the  Federal  Army  of  the  Potomac,  desir- 
ing to  retrieve  his  somewhat  shaded  reputation,  had 
taken  his  forces  in  hand.  Pushing  on  in  pursuit  with  all 
the  energy  and  rapidity  possible,  the  Confederates  were 
overtaken  at  Frederick,  The  latter  retreating  before 
him,  halted,  drawing  up  their  forces  at  South  Mountain 
where,  on  that  crest  and  slope  of  the  Blue  Ridge,  was 
waged  a  most  desperate  battle. 

Here  the  hitherto  conquering  legions  receive  a  check, 
victory,  considered  certaiu,  being  wrested  from  them. 
Afterward,  returning  slowly,  reluctantly,  they  at  length 
reach  the  banks  of  the  Potomac,  only  again  to  be  con- 
fronted by  the  enemy,  for  McClellan  has  overtaken  them 
ere  they  reach  the  friendly  Virginia  shore,  forcing  them 
again  to  do  battle. 

The  sun  rose  on  that  beautiful  September  morning  in 
a  blaze  of  glory,  looking  down  on  eighty  thousand  Con- 
federate and  more  than  one  hundred  thousand  Federal 
soldiers.  No  sound  is  heard  other  than  the  distant 
bugle's  silvery  note,  or  nearer  rat-a-plan  of  drum,  calling 
the  laggard  from  his  hard  couch,  who  from  very  weari- 
ness of  spirit,  hesitates  to  again  face  the  enemy.  From 
thousands  of  little  camp  fires,  rise  in  the  sultry  atmos- 
phere their  wreaths  of  blue  smoke,  betokening  prepara- 
tion for  an  early  morning  repast,  the  last  to  be  partaken 
by  many  a  brave  soul. 

Aid-de-camp  and  orderly  are  now  seen  riding  in  all 
directions,  bearing  to  corps  and  divisions  the  orders  of 
the  day.  Generals  of  corps,  division  and  brigade,  haste 
to  take  position  at  the  head  of  their  respective  com- 
mands, while,  on  hillside  and  plain,  are  gathered  the 
hosts  soon  to  meet  in  shock  of  battle. 

Battery  after  battery  hurry  to  position,  their  foaming 
steeds  lashed  by  excited  riders.  They  turn,  wheel, 
mingling  in  seemingly  inextricable  confusion;  then 
deploy,  forming  in  line  with  the  utmost  precision;  the 


150  EXPECTED  BATTLE. 

gunners,  ramrod  in  hand,  awaiting  the  signal  to  charge 
the  brazen-mouthed  pieces. 

Now  away  on  yonder  height  rises  a  grey  transparent 
cloud.  'Tis  the  signal  gun.  Meanwhile  troops,  massed 
in  unbroken  column,  the  burnished  arms  reflecting  back 
the  brilliant  rays  of  the  September  sun,  await  the  onset. 

Antietam's  sluggish  stream,  the  line  separating  the 
eager  combatants,  will  ere  long  bear  to  the  sea  the  life 
of  thousands,  both  blue  and  grey,  now  in  the  full  glow 
of  health  and  vigor  of  manhood,  each  pulse  beating 
with  ardor  for  the  strife. 

Anon  the  trumpets  sound  the  advance,  the  long  roll 
of  drums  the  charge,  cheer  on  cheer  ringing  out  on  the 
still  air  as  the  combatants  close  in  deadly  hand  to  hand 
encounter. 

The  First  Alabama  Cavalry  come  thundering  down, 
meeting,  crushing,  pushing  on  against  flashing  lines  of 
steel  thrust  forth  to  stay  their  progress.  Massed  batter- 
ies from  wooded  height  and  intervening  plain  speak  in 
thunderous  tones,  their  dread  missiles  piercing  rank  and 
file;  clouds  of  sulphurous  smoke  and  leaping  flame  from 
the  mouths  of  a  hundred  guns,  telling  of  wounds  and 
death,  rise  in  mute  appeal  to  stay  the  appalling  sacrifice. 

The  day  advances.  The  sun,  momently  rising  higher 
in  the  heavens,  beats  down  its  fierce  rays  on  glazed,  un- 
closed, sightless  eyes  and  upturned  faces,  pallid  in  death's 
agonies. 

Still  the  day  rolls  on,  the  sharp  heated  sun's  rays  beat- 
ing on  the  heads  of  the  eager  combatants,  as  unharmed, 
unterrified,  they  press  on.  No  time  here  for  thought; 
each  sense  alive  ;  every  energy  bent ;  every  feeling  sunk 
in  the  one  supieme  endeavor  to  conquer. 

The  day  wanes ;  the  clock  in  yon  church  tower  strikes 
the  hour  of  four. 

Burnside,  hard  pressed,  sends  hurrying  appeal  to  the 
commander-in-chief  begging  reinforcements.  The  return 
entreaty  is,  "  Hold  the  bridge !  Aye,  hold  the  bridge, 
at  all  hazards !     Hold  it  till  succor  arrives !  " 

Here  the  combat  rages  in  all  its  intensity,  for  on  this 


EXPECTED   BATTLE.  151 

frail  structure  hangs  the  fate  of  the  day.     This  lost— all 
lost. 

Yet,  hark !  Away  out  from  yon  wooded  slope,  peals 
the  trumpet's  joyous  note,  sounding  the  "  Advance." 
Again,  "Double-quick,"  echoed  by  the  bugle's  clarion 
strain.     Help  is  nigh  I 

Squadron  after  squadron  haste  on  the  way,  long 
unbroken  lines  of  horse  charge  down  this  highway  of 
death,  as  in  ringing  note  the  trumpet  sounds  the 
"  Charge,"  its  tones  caught  up  by  each  sturdy  trooper. 
Foot  taking  fresh  hold  of  stirrup,  hand  firm  grip  of  sabre, 
each  uplifted  arm  falls  on  the  head  of  its  devoted  victim  ; 
thus  riding,  sweeping  through  the  enemy's  columns, 
iron-shod  hoof  trampling  the  fallen,  rank  and  file  going 
down,  nothing  withstands  the  shock.  The  bridge 
quickly  cleared,  the  Confederates  fall  back  and  the 
Federals  push  on. 

Deatli  here  runs  riot,  reaping  rich  harvest ;  for  where 
blade  strikes,  a  mutilated  body  falls.  The  enemy,  in 
full  retreat,  seek  safety  thereby. 

'Twas  here  the  First  Alabama  Cavalry  covered  them- 
selves with  glory.  Captain  Duke  Steele,  in  lead  of  his 
brave  troopers,  his  tall  lithe  form  seen  where  the  battle 
raged  fiercest,  i)erformed  "  prodigies  of  valor ; "  and 
were  the  Confederates  in  possession  of  more  regiments 
like  this,  no  mortal  enemy  could  have  withstood  their 
power. 

Night  has  fallen.  The  cooling  breeze  of  evening  fans 
the  fevered  brow,  the  throbbing  temples  of  the  wounded, 
bringing  cheer  to  the  living,  undisturbed  repose  to  the 
dead. 

Weary,  hungry  and  thirsty,  the  veterans  seek  shelter 
for  the  night.  The  deepening,  darkening  shades  of  de- 
parting day  are  all  aglow  with  camp  fire  and  torch, 
round  which  gather  the  heroic  warriors,  endeavoring 
thereby  to  appease  the  hunger  and  assuage  the  thirst  of 
the  long  daj'-'s  fast. 

Their  hearts  are  light.  No  danger  now  staring  them 
in  the  face,  they  joke,  laugli,  sing  in  all  the  soldierly 


152  EXPECTED   BATTLE. 

abandon  of  camp  life,  careless  of  the  sufferings  of  so 
many  of  their  comrades  who  sat  by  their  side  on  the 
morning  of  this  fateful  day  in  the  enjoyment  of  their 
last  meal,  but  are  now  lying  on  the  cold  ground,  muti- 
lated, perchance  dying,  or  on  some  rude,  hard  couch  in 
an  out  of  the  way  field. 

Night  has  at  length  passed,  away.  Its  darkening 
shades  disappear,  ushering  in  the  light  of  another  dawn. 
Yet  what  means  this  outcry,  this  unwonted  commotion 
at  head-quarters,  as  an  outlying  vidette,  riding  in  hot 
haste,  speeds  on  his  way  to  break  the  startling  news, 
"  The  enemy  have  disappeared — fled  I  "? 

Taking  advantage  of  the  darkness  and  the  unsuspect- 
ing McClellan,  the  Confederate  chief  has  quietly  with- 
drawn his  large  army,  crossing  at  the  fords  at  some  dis- 
tance below,  to  Shepardstown,  on  the  opposite  bank  of 
the  river. 

Upon  receiving  this  unwelcome  intelligence,  the  Fed- 
eral commander  was  loth  to  credit  the  story  ;  for  having 
so  skilfully  entrapped  his  wily  antagonist,  thus  placing 
him  in  position  to  be  captured  at  his  leisure,  it  was 
deemed  a  matter  of  impossibility  that  General  Lee  should 
have  so  easily  eluded  him.  When  one  takes  into  con- 
sideration that  a  vast  army  numbering  in  the  aggregate 
eighty  thousand,  foot,  horse  and  artillery,  the  latter  of 
more  than  a  hundred  pieces,  together  with  immense  bag- 
gage and  ambulance  trains,  commissary  stores,  sutlers' 
outfits  and  a  heterogeneous  mass  of  equipments  common 
to  a  large  army  were  moved,  it  must  be  conceded  that 
General  Lee  manifested  magnificent  generalship. 


THE  CONFEDERATE  SPY.  153 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

THE  CONFEDERATE   SPY. 

A  FEW  days  subsequent  to  the  battle  of  Antietam, 
the  Federal  army  still  remained  in  camp,  over- 
looking the  scene  of  strife. 

General  McClellan,  standing  near  the  entrance  of  his 
tent,  espies  a  female  of  showy  appearance  and  elegant 
attire,  a  dark  veil  concealing  her  features,  approaching 
his  quarters,  mounted  on  the  back  of  a  magnificent  steed, 
whose  glossy  black  coat  shines  under  the  sun's  rays  like 
unto  burnished  silver.  High-spirited,  yet  lightly  step- 
ping, advancing  along  the  grassy  park-like  surface  of  the 
camp  ground,  he  seems  conscious  of  the  beautiful  form 
BO  lightly  borne. 

Advancing  to  the  front  of  the  tent  near  to  where  the 
general  was  standing,  at  the  same  time  lifting  the  veil,  a 
face  of  rare  beauty  was  disclosed.  Rapid  riding,  com- 
bined with  the  crisp,  exhilarating  morning  air,  lent  a 
heightened  color  to  the  cheek,  gave  an  unwonted  light 
to  the  eyes,  and  gave  her  a  bearing  a  queen  might  envy. 

Ever  susceptible  to  female  charms,  particularly  when 
accompanied  by  youth.  General  McClellan  was  at  once 
attracted  by  the  appearance  of  the  lady.  So  raising  his 
hat,  saluting  her  with  the  gallantry  natural  to  the  accom- 
plished soldier,  he  invited  the  lady  to  dismount,  and 
accept  the  hospitality  of  his  modest  quarters.  Grace- 
fully declining  the  proffered  invitation,  she  said : 

"  General,  I  have  a  communication  to  present,  and  a 
favor  to  ask."  Then  drawing  a  paper  from  her  reticule, 
she  placed  it  in  his  hands. 

Upon  perusal  it  proved  to  be  a  letter  of  introduction 
from  the  governor  of  Alabama,  and  read  as  follows : 


154  THE  CONFEDERATE  SPY. 

•'  Montgomery,  Alabama,  Sept.  23,  1862. 
"  To   General  Robert  E.    Zee,    Commanding    Confederate 

Forces  in  Northern  Virginia. 

"  Dear  Sir  : — The  bearer  of  this  letter,  Miss  Carrie, 
only  daughter  of  Judge  Foster  of  this  city,  a  geutlemau 
of  prominence  in  the  judiciary,  as  also  the  councils  of 
State,  and  a  warm  supporter  of  a  cause  for  which  we 
are  so  untiringly  laboring,  desirous  of  doing  something 
whereby  to  show  her  appreciation  of  the  brave  soldiers 
who  have  left  the  comforts  of  home  for  the  tented  field 
with  all  its  accompanying  hardships,  wishes  to  secure  a 
situation  as  hospital  nurse,  thus  as  far  as  she  may  be 
able,  to  mitigate  the  sufi'erings  of  the  sick  and  wounded 
of  our  army. 

*'  Whatsoever  aid  you  may  be  pleased  to  render,  or  in 
fluence  extend  in  this  direction,  will  be  gratefully  appre- 
ciated by  myself,  and  joyfully  welcomed  by  those  to 
whose  assistance  she  goes. 

"  Yours  very  respectfully, 

"  E.  H.  Johnson, 

"Governor  of  Alabama." 

Wonderingly  scanning  the  bright,  winsome  face  of  the 
young  maiden,  its  animated  expression,  healthy,  glowing 
cheek  and  sparkling  eyes,  the  general  thought  he  had 
never  set  eyes  on  a  more  expressive  face,  nor  one  exhib- 
iting a  greater  degree  of  intelligence  or  depth  of  charac- 
ter. More  astonished  than  he  could  readily  find  words 
to  express,  when  perceiving  to  whom  the  letter  was 
addressed,  the  general  exclaimed: 

"  Why,  Miss  Foster,  this  letter  is  not  addressed  to 
me,  but  to  General  Eobert  E,  Lee !  Into  his  hands  only 
should  you  have  entrusted  its  secrets,  and  I  fear  I've 
committed  an  unwarranted  breach  of  etiquette  in  thus 
making  myself  acquainted  with  its  contents." 

Now  as  one  would  be  likely  to  infer,  and  as  we  have 
already  learned,  Carrie  Foster  was  a  shrewd  girl,  and  one 
would  need  but  a  single  glance  into  her  face  to  bec( me 
convinced  of  the  fact.    Understanding  full  well  what  she 


THE  CONFEDERATE  SPY.  156 

was  about,  instead  of  going  to  tlie  Union  camp  direct 
from  Montgomery,  she  first  repaired  to  the  Contederate 
head-quarters  and  from  thence  to  General  McClellan, 
previous  to  which  she  had  held  an  interview  with  Gen- 
eral Lee.  Certainly  a  shrewd  scheme  and  a  deeply  laid 
plot,  for  the  letter  was  properly  addressed,  as  intended, 
and  so  delivered. 

This  General  McClellan  did  not  know.  She  did  not 
tell  him.  Therefore,  in  answer  to  a  look  of  surprise, 
followed  by  words  of  astonishment,  possibly  of  incredu- 
lity, the  lady  said : 

"Yes,  General,  I  am  well  aware  of  the  contents  of  the 
letter,  as  also  to  whom  it  is  addressed,  I  am  also  aware 
of  another  fact,  which  is  that  on  the  retreat  of  General 
Lee,  succeeding  the  late  battle,  his  wounded  fell  into 
your  hands,  and  without  question  are  in  need  of  and 
entitled  to  the  same  care  as  though  still  in  his  charge.  A 
little  sympathy,  General,  won't  do  them  harm.  The  poor 
Buffering  fellows  must  look  for  both  sympathy  and  care 
to  their  friends  and  well-wishers,  and  it  is  for  this  reason 
alone  I  have  deemed  it  best  to  place  this  letter  in  your 
hands,  rather  than  in  those  of  General  Lee.  Should  the 
arrangement  be  deemed  satisfactory,  I  would  take  the 
liberty  of  soliciting  a  pass  recognizing  my  position,  one 
also  that  will  take  me  in  safety  about  your  camps  and 
through  the  Union  lines,  thus  enabling  me  to  render 
that  assistance  so  necessary  in  the  interests  of  liuman- 

Failing  in  the  display  of  his  accustomed  sagacity,  Gen- 
eral McClellan  fell  without  further  thought  into  the 
snare  so  adroitly  set  and  skilfully  baited  by  the  charm- 
ing manners,  fascinating  ways,  and  bright  eyes  of  the 
young  maiden.  So,  complying  with  the  request,  with 
no  thought  of  intrigue  or  unworthy  design  on  her  part, 
he  seated  himself  at  his  desk  and  wrote  and  handed  her 
the  coveted  pass,  signing  his  name  in  full  as  commander- 
in-chief  of  the  Federal  forces  comprising  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac.  The  pass  entitled  her  to  go  whither  she  would 
about   the  Federal  camp  unquestioned,  also  authorized 


166  THE   CONFEDEEATE  SPY. 

her  to  pass  tlirougli  the  lines  without  interruption  in  her 
errands  of  mercy  to  either  army.  In  so  doing,  General 
McClellan  believed  he  had  simply  performed  a  generous 
and  humane  act ;  yet  what  were  the  objects  contem- 
plated, or  aims  to  be  arrived  at,  in  thus  soliciting  this 
pass?  To  nurse  and  care  for  the  sick  and  wounded 
'•  Boys  in  Gray  "  ? 

Scarcely  I  She  had  far  less  worthy  aims  in  view,  at 
least  as  regarded  the  welfare  of  General  McClellan  and 
his  army  ;  aims  which,  if  carried  out,  would  tend  to 
place  obstacles  in  his  way  greater  and  more  to  be  feared 
than  a  score  of  Confederate  regiments.  In  short,  Carrie 
Foster  was  an  accredited  Confederate  spy  ;  not  only  this, 
but  one  of  the  most  intelligent,  unscrupulous,  far  seeing 
of  this  useful,  yet  ignoble  class  of  people.  She  was  in 
the  full  confidence  of  the  governor  of  Alabama,  the  prime 
mover  in  the  affair ;  and  General  Lee  was  equally 
apprised  of,  and  fully  understood  her  errand  ;  one  which 
had  been  so  earnestly  solicited,  yet  reluctantly  granted 
by  her  father  ;  for  was  he  not  in  thus  allowing  his  daugh- 
ter to  assume  the  role  of  spy,  making  the  greatest  sacri- 
fice of  his  life  ? 

In  furtherance  of  the  deep-laid,  well-planned  scheme 
on  which  she  had  entered,  and  in  order  to  avoid  suspi- 
cion as  to  her  real  designs,  she  daily  visited  the  field  hos- 
pitals, going  among  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  by  her 
affectionate  smiles  and  cheering  words,  uplifted  almost 
to  the  gates  of  heaven  many  a  worn  suffering  spirit. 
She  rode  about  the  Union  camp,  her  high-spirited  coal- 
black,  glossy  steed,  together  with  its  beautiful  rider,  win- 
ning the  admiration  of  all  beholders ;  in  the  meantime 
closely  observing  and  taking  notes  of  whatsoever  might 
prove  of  benefit,  or  in  any  manner  contribute  to  the 
advantage  of  the  Confederate  commander;  not  only  this, 
but  she  was  freely  admitted  to  the  secret  councils  of  the 
Federal  chiefs,  often  gaining  important  imformation  as 
to  contemplated  movements,  which  speedily  transmitted, 
became  of  the  greatest  moment,  not  only  to  General  Lee, 
but  the  entire  Confederacy. 


THE   CONFEDERATE   SPY.  157 

Again  General  McClellan  put  his  columns  in  motion, 
after  some  three  weeks'  rest,  spent  in  repairing  losses 
and  attaching  to  the  several  brigades  fresh  regiments  now 
rapidly  arriving.  Advancing  down  the  valley  of  the 
Blue  Ridge,  finally  reaching  Warrenton,  the  whole  army 
again  went  into  camp. 

Here,  to  the  unbounded  astonishmont,  consternation, 
in  many  instances  indignation,  of  all  interested,  an  order 
came  from  the  President  recalling  General  McClellan  and 
substituting  in  his  stead  General  Burnside. 

Upon  receiving  this  order  from  the  President,  generally 
supported  by  the  higher  Government  officials — it  being 
alleged  that  while  perhaps  competent  to  command  a 
division  or  corps,  he  was  lacking  in  confidence  to  take 
supreme  command  of  an  army,  at  least  one  of  such  mag- 
nificent proportions — the  gallant  general  protested  in  the 
most  vigorous  terms.  Yet  protest,  entreaty  even,  being 
of  no  avail,  he  at  last  with  many  misgivings  as  to  the 
result,  reluctantly  consented  to  abide  by  the  wishes  of 
President  Lincoln,  who  believed  he  saw  in  General 
Burnside  one  who  would  not  only  retrieve  in  large  meas- 
ure the  severe  losses  resulting  from  the  mistakes  or  pos- 
sible incompetency  of  former  commanders,  but  at  the 
same  time  press  the  war  more  vigorously  than  had  his 
predecessors. 

At  once  assuming  command.  General  Burnside  applied 
himself  to  the  task  of  reorganizing  the  various  corps 
and  divisions  of  this  magnificent  force  of  more  than  one 
hundred  thousand  soldiers,  many  of  whom  were  the 
tried  veterans  of  a  score  of  battle  fields,  from  Manassas 
to  Antietam. 


158  A   SINGULAR   CHARACTER. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

A   SINGULAR    CHARACTER. 

LEISURELY  walking  down  tLe  broad  avenue  lead- 
ing to  the  State  House  of  the  capital  city  of  Vir- 
ginia, on  a  lovely  evening,  the  mellow  light  of  the  newly 
risen  moon  casting  a  soft  radiance  over  the  many 
lofty  buildings  of  that  historic  city  on  the  James,  Cap- 
tain Duke  Steele  encountered  a  most  singular  specimen 
of  humanity.  A  form  tall,  uncouth,  dressed  in  an  old, 
much  worn,  faded  Continental  uniform  ;  head  crowned 
with  a  coon  skin  cap,  tail  hanging  behind  ;  over  his 
shoulder  a  flint-lock  musket,  a  "  Queen  Anne ; "  an 
ancient  horse  pistol  tucked  into  a  narrow  leathern  belt ;  at 
his  side,  the  point  dragging  the  ground,  a  long  ironscab- 
barded  sword.  Taken  as  a  whole,  this  man  presented 
the  appearance  of  an  old  Revolutionary  veteran  resur- 
ected. 

Coming  to  a  stand  in  front  of  the  thoroughly  surpris- 
ed captain,  he  accosted  him,  at  the  same  time  presenting 
arms. 

"  Me  Lud,  be  ye  the  commander  of  the  troops  of  His 
Majesty,  George  the  Third  ?  If  so,  I  am  desirous  of 
informing  Your  Serene  Highness,  1  would  be  pleased  to 
enhst,  having  of  late  served  in  the  Continental  Army 
under  old  Put.  Finding  the  cause  sinking,  for  one  thing, 
another  from  the  fact  of  my  superior  merits  not  having 
received  proper  recognition  nor  such  as  they  deserve, 
thus  enabling  me  to  rise  to  a  grade  usually  accorded  the 
brave,  I've  deserted,  and  now  wish  to  enlist  imder  the 
banner  of  His  Majesty,  where  my  talents  will  be  better 
appreciated. 

"  And,  me  Lud,  that  you  may  the  better  understand 
my  position,  I  have  this  to  say  further:  The  last  battle 


A   SINGULAR  CHARACTER.  169 

in  which  I  had  the  honor  of  being  engaged  as  leader^ 
was  on  the  soil  of  the  good  old  New  England  State  of 
Connecticut,  where  I  had  been  summoned  with  several 
of  my  brave  followers,  to  serve  my  country  and  the 
County  of  Chester,  in  the  capacity  of  a  juryman.  In 
this  severe  engagement,  my  troops  drawn  up  in  good 
order,  awaiting  an  attack,  the  enemy  by  an  unper- 
ceived,  till  too  late,  flank  movement,  and  the  most 
uncalled  for  strategy,  and  being  of  superior  force,  dis- 
lodged me  from  my  chosen  position  ;  surrounded,  captured, 
placed  me  in  irons;  dragged  me  to  the  guard  house,  thence 
to  prison,  in  direct  conflict  with  the  Articles  of  War, 
and  me  Lud,  I've  lain  in  a  loathsome  dungeon  cell  for 
these  many  long  wearisome  months,  soliciting,  praying, 
entreating,  begging  even  to  be  either  exchanged  or  set 
free.  To  the  former  they  would  give  no  heed  ;  to  the 
latter,  laughed,  taunting  rae  to  my  very  face  ;  until  at 
length  I  resolved  to  escape,  which  by  the  most  consum- 
mate skill  and  no  little  strategy,  I  have  sncceeded  in 
doing. 

"  My  second  appearance  on  the  field  of  strife — but 
perhaps  I  weary  you,  sir?  No?  Well,  as  I  was  about  to 
say,  my  second  appearance  was  in  the  capacity  of  guard 
of  honor,  summoned  by  Beelzebub — have  you  never 
heard  of  the  gentleman  ofttimes  styled  the  "  arch  fiend," 
the"  prince  of  devils,"  and  the  like?  You  doubtless 
understand  all  about  that,  me  Lud — ha — ha  !  Well,  sir, 
I  am  this  same  old  Beelzebub's  lieutenant.  Yes,  I  am, 
sir,  second  only  in  command,  summoned  as  I  say,  to 
officiate  as  master  of  ceremonies  at  the  execution  of 
the  murderer  of  his  comrade  and  classmate,  Duke  Steele. 
Yes,  sir,  me  Lud,  for  a  fact." 

"  Hold,  sir,  hold !  Are  you  a  mad  man  ?  Of  whom 
do  you  speak  ?  " 

"  Why,  Duke  Steele,  of  course.  Never  heard  of  him, 
eh  ?  Murdered — slain — premeditated — cold-blooded  act 
and  all  that.     Never  heard  of  the  affair,  me  Lud  ?  " 

"Heard  of  the  affair?  No!  What  of  it?  Speak, 
sir  1  Tell  it,  and  if  you  lie  to  me,  heaven  help  you  I    I 


160  A   SINGULAR   CHARACTER. 

will  spit  you  on  the  point  of  this  blade  with  as  little 
compunction  and  in  about  the  same  spirit  as  I  would  a 
measly  toad.     Now,  sir,  finish  your  story." 

"  Well,  me  Lud,"  replied  the  stranger,  '*  it's  a  long 
story.  As  I  was  saying,  summoned  by  Beelzebub,  my 
master,  to  officiate — or  as  one  might  say,  commissioned 
charyi  d'affaires  of  the  execution,  as  also  to  see  that  all 
things  were  in  proper  order  and  well  conducted — I  was 
again  set  upon,  overpowered,  dragged  back  to  the  same 
prison,  where  in  one  of  its  lowest  dungeons  I  was  chained. 
Yea,  me  Lud,  chained,  until  becoming  weary  of  my 
long  confinement,  I  sought  means  to  and  did  escape, 
making  my  way  to  this  city,  the  head-quarters  as  I 
understand  of  His  Majesty,  George  the  Third's  troops, 
whom  I  desire  to  join,  having  renounced  the  service  of 
the  defeated  legions  of  old  Putnam — and  the  devil." 

"  Oh !  Drop  this  fighting  battles,  Beelzebub  and  the 
devil,  of  the  first  of  which  you  know  nothing,  yet  are 
evidently  on  good  terms  with  the  latter.  What  I  do 
want  you  to  tell  me,  is  concerning  this  murder — as  so 
alleged — of  Duke  Steele." 

"  Why,  good  sir,  have  a  little  patience  and  I  will  tell 
all.  This  young  Steele  suddenly,  and  as  was  generally 
afi&rmed,  mysteriously  disappeared — though  I've  thought 
there  were  some  who  knew  more  of  the  affair  than  they 
cared  to  tell — from  his  college  room,  and  never  came 
back.  Couldn't  be  found,  and  has  never  been  heard 
from  to  this  day.  The  story  runs  that  Steele  was  made 
way  with  by  his  room  mate,  who  was  arrested,  tried, 
pronounced  guilty,  and  would  have  been  hung  could  I 
have  had  my  way  ;  but  when  I'm  on  the  point  of  success 
in  this,  or  any  other  of  my  great  undertakings,  I'm  set 
upon  by  those  damned  highwaymen.  Yet,  why  they 
should  take  such  an  interest  in  my  affairs  is  past  com- 
prehension— but  I  wander.  Let  us  come  to  the  point. 
Will  you,  me  Lud,  take  me  as  a  recruit  to  His  Majesty's 
forces  now  operating  against  the  Continentals?  If  so, 
but  say  the  word,  and  I'll  shoulder  this  good  musket, 
that  never  turned  its  muzzle  against  a  friend  nor  away 


A   SINGULAR   CHARACTER.  161 

from  a  foe,  in  defence  of  the  King's  rights  and  his  efforts 
to  put  down  this  ungodly  rebellion." 

Captain  Steele,  who  had  paid  little  attention  to  what 
was  being  said,  being  seemingly  absorbed  in  thought  far 
removed  from  those  of  the  lunatic,  now  turned  away  in 
disgust,  ordering  a  corporal  to  head  a  file  of  soldiers  and 
take  the  mad  man  captive,  directing  that  he  be  secured 
in  the  guard-house  until  further  orders. 

What  were  now  the  thoughts  of  Duke  Steele  at  this 
turn  of  affairs?  That  the  story  told  by  this  singular 
character  must  contain  some  truth,  was  apparent;  there- 
fore, an  investigation  must  be  taken  in  hand,  and  that 
without  delay. 

It  so  chanced  the  army  was  at  this  time  lying  idle,  so 
the  captain  determined  to  call  on  his  colonel,  and  on  pre- 
tence of  performing  some  needful  duty,  select  a  portion 
of  his  own  company,  and  set  forth  at  once  for  the  home 
of  Thomas  Baxter.  One  day's  hard  ride  would  suffice 
to  take  him  to  the  neighborhood,  and  when  there  he 
would  take  the  opportunity  to  call  on  his  mother,  who 
above  all  others  must  be  the  first  to  share  the  joyful 
intelligence  that  her  son  was  still  in  the  land  of  the  liv- 
ing, as  she  was  without  doubt  keenly  apprehensive  in 
regard  to  his  welfare,  and  if  yet  alive,  as  to  his  where- 
abouts. 

Indulging  in  these  perplexing  thoughts,  he  proceeded 
on  his  way  to  the  colonel's  quarters ;  which  soon  reach- 
ing, he  informed  that  officer  that  he  had  heard  rumors 
of  disturbance  in  the  vicinity  of  Oxford,  a  town  near 
the  mouth  of  the  Eappahannock,  his  old  home.  The 
rumored  trouble  had  grown  out  of  the  presence  of  a 
considerable  body  of  guerrillas,  made  up  of  deserters 
from  the  army,  renegades,  and  other  disreputable  char- 
acters from  the  surrounding  country,  and  he  said  he 
deemed  it  a  measure  of  prudence  to  head  a  squad  of 
cavalry  and  look  into  the  matter. 

"  A  capital  idea,"  declared  Colonel  Emberly,  "  and  the 
sooner  you  put  it  in  practice  the  better.  These  so-called 
guerrillas  are  a  scourge  of  the  land,  and  I  certainly  could 
10 


162  A   SINGULAR   CHARACTER. 

■wish  for  nothing  better  than  to  see  them  put  to  route, 
foot  and  horse,  for  they  are  among  the  worst  elements 
with  which  we  have  to  contend.  Not  only  this,  but  they 
bring  disgrace  on  the  honest,  well-meaning  soldier,  and  I 
am  positive  our  war-worn  veterans  are  among  the  last  to 
have  part  or  lot  in  the  misdoings  of  these  cowardly, 
thieving  renegades.  Yes,  Captain,  go  by  all  means,  and 
should  you  succeed  in  bringing  those  fellows  to  the  jus- 
tice they  so  richly  merit,  you  will  have  earned  the  grati- 
tude of  all  well-disposed  persons,  more  especially  those 
who  desire  and  hope  for  the  success  of  the  Confederate 
arms.  Yet,  Captain,  I  would  caution  you  to  be  on  your 
guard  against  an  ambush,  for  those  rascals  are  up  to  all 
sorts  of  dodges ;  also,  please  return  as  soon  as  the 
desired  end  has  been  attained,  for  your  services  may  be 
in  demand  at  any  moment." 

Selecting  twenty  of  his  bravest  and  most  reliable 
men,  he  gave  them  orders  to  be  in  readiness  at  an  early 
hour  of  the  following  morning. 

The  captain  passed  meanwhile  a  restless  and  uneasy 
night,  for  here  was  a  mystery  pressing  heavily  upon 
him.  Many  long  months  had  passed,  and  he  had  heard 
and  knew  nothing  concerning  his  dearest  friends,  and  they 
were  equally  in  the  dark  regarding  him.  Aye,  to  them 
he  was  truly  as  one  dead.  His  chosen  friend  and  room 
mate  accused,  tried,  sentenced — a.  condemned  assassin  I 
What  could  be  the  meaning  of  this  story  the  mad  man 
had  told  him  ?  Could  there  be  truth  in  it,  or  on  the 
other  hand,  some  dreadful,  deadly  mistake  ? 

On  the  morning  following,  just  at  the  break  of  day, 
accompanied  by  a  score  of  sturdy  troopers,  he  passed  out 
from  the  city  of  tents,  setting  on  the  long  hard  day's 
ride.  All  was  quiet,  all  still,  save  for  the  measured 
tread  of  the  sentinel  on  his  lonely  beat,  guarding  a  force 
of  nearly  one  hundred  thousand  peacefully  sleeping, 
dreaming  soldiers.  The  great  burnished  dome  of  the 
Confederate  capitol  glistened  in  the  dawning  light,  while 
from  church  tower,  steeple  and  factory,  pealed  the  hour 
of  five. 


A   SINGULAR  CHARACTER.  163 

Now  from  bugle,  drum  and  trumpet,  in  stirring  tones 
sounds  the  reveille,  awaking  from  slumber,  and  calling 
from  out  the  long  array  of  tents,  thousands  of  their  drowsy 
tenants,  some  to  "relieve  guard"  or  replenish  smould- 
ering camp  fires  in  readiness  for  the  morning  repast. 

As  the  brave  little  troop  ride  forth,  from  out  tree, 
bush  and  shrub,  sound  from  scores  of  nature's  melodious 
songsters  greeting  to  the  "  Boys  in  Gray." 

Away  beyond  yon  mountain  top,  the  rising  sun 
flashes  its  brilliant  rays  over  hill,  forest,  valley  and 
plain,  while  before  its  beams  disappear  the  mist  and 
clouds  of  the  early  morning.  The  cooling  breeze  fans  the 
cheek,  the  eye  sparkles,  each  heart  beats  with  renewed 
ardor,  as  pushing  swiftly  on  in  the  wake  of  their  beloved 
leader,  they  shout  in  joyous  loud  acclaim,  with  little 
thought  of  fear  or  danger,  "  Death  to  renegade  and 
traitor ! " 

Midday  at  length  arrives — a  hasty  bivouac,  an  hour's 
rest,  simple  lunch,  horses  fed.  Again  they  mount, 
speeding  on  their  way,  until  at  three  in  the  afternoon  an 
object  meets  their  gaze,  attracting  universal  attention. 
While  only  some  twenty  miles  from  their  destination, 
there  seemed  a  fair  prospect  of  being  compelled  to  camp 
for  the  night.  Their  steeds  were  so  nearly  worn  down, 
that  their  progress  became  each  moment  less  rapid. 

The  object  to  which  their  attention  was  attracted,  and 
each  eye  directed,  seemed  in  a])pearance  that  of  an  aged 
negro ;  who  hobbling  wearily  along  over  the  field  at 
some  distance  from  the  highway,  ragged,  weather-beaten, 
scarcely  able  to  move,  made  his  way  with  great  diffi- 
culty, at  the  same  time  evidently  wishing  to  avoid 
observation.  Now  and  then  he  would  slip  behind  some 
friendly  shelter  of  tree,  bush  or  rock  happening  in  his 
way,  then  after  a  few  moments'  rest,  he  would  get  up 
and  stumble  on  again. 

The  singular  actions  of  the  negro  especially  attracted 
the  attention  of  Captain  Steele,  who  putting  spurs  to  his 
weary  steed,  leaped  the  road-side  fence,  pushing  his  way 
toward   the  now  thoroughly   frightened    negro.     Upon 


164  A   SINGULAR   CHARACTER. 

reaching  his  side,  the  poor  fellow  turned  his  eyes  to  the 
face  of  bis  pursuer ;  then  again  hastening  on  as  fast  as 
his  worn-out  limbs  permitted,  he  shouted  : 

"Fo'  de  Lawd,  Massa  Steele's  ghost  1  Go  'way,  Massa 
Sperit,  dis  yer  darkey  don'  nothin',  Wha'  yo'  come  to 
cotch  dis  po'  colored  man  fo'  ?  " 

"  My  poor  man,"  said  the  captain,  "  I  am  not  going  to 
harm  you.     Tell  me  who  you  are." 

"  Why,  Massa  Ghos',  I'se  Massa  Tom's  coachman, 
Pomp.  Don'  yo'  kno'  Massa  Tom  ?  Don'  yo'  'member 
Pomp  ?     You  don'  forgit  him,  does  yo'  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  no,  I  remember  Pomp  very  well,  and  Mr.  Baxter 
also;  but  I  must  say  you  bear  little  resemblance  to  the 
Pomp  of  old  times.  If  you  are  he,  have  no  fear,  I  am 
not  come  to  do  you  any  mischief — only  good.  I  am  no 
ghost — simply  Duke  Steele,  flesh  and  blood;  more  than 
you  can  say,  for  I  see  but  little  of  the  one,  and  doubt  if 
3'ou  have  much  of  the  other.  But  you  remember  Duke 
Steele,  with  whom,  when  we  were  both  boys,  you  used 
to  play,  along  with  your  young  Massa  Herman  ?  " 

"  Is  yo'  Massa  Duke  fo'  shua  ?  Why,  da'  don'  tole 
me  Massa  Duke  Steele  were  dead,  killed  sho'  nuff  by 
Massa  Herman.  I'se  don'  tol'  dem,  Massa  Herman  neva 
don'  no  hurt  to  nobody.  Den  da'  sey,  go  wa'  yo'  nigga, 
yo'  don'  kno'  nothin'  tall  'bout  it." 

The  captain  soon  gaining  the  confidence  of  the  poor 
negro,  convinced  him  that  he  was  no  spirit  from  another 
world,  come  to  terrify,  perhaps  convey  him  off  to  the 
infernal  or  some  equally  undesirable  regions.  He  helped 
him  back  to  the  squadron,  then  put  him  astride  a  led 
mule,  placing  in  his  hands  food  to  be  eaten  on  the  way  ; 
of  which  he  stood  greatly  in  need,  as  he  ate  ravenoLisl}^ 
evidently  being  on  the  verge  of  starvation. 

Having  eaten  until  his  hunger  in  good  measure  was 
appeased,  he  related  to  his  kind  rescuer  his  adventures 
from  the  time  of  being  kidnapped  by  his  good  friends, 
the  New  England  Abolitionists.  Great  was  the  surprise 
and  no  less  indignation  of  the  captain  upon  being  told 
of  the  trials  through  which  the  poor  fellow  had  passed, 


A    SINGULAR   CHARACTER.  165 

in  seeking  to  escape  from  his  perhaps  well-meaning,  yet 
wholly  unauthorized  persecutors. 

Pomp  had  accompanied  his  master  to  the  scene  of  the 
trial  of  Herman,  there  being  approached  by  citizens  of 
the  town,  who  sought  to  persuade  him  to  desert  his  kind 
master.  Upon  his  indignant  refusal,  he  was  arrested  and 
placed  in  confinement,  where  he  was  held  until  Mr. 
Baxter  and  his  daughter  Nelly  had  returned  to  their  plan- 
tation home.  The  ill  treatment,  together  with  the 
enforced  separation  from  his  much  loved  friends,  the 
Baxters,  had  nearly  broken  the  poor  negro's  heart. 

He  had  made  several  attempts  to  escape  from  his  per- 
secutors, thus  seeking  to  regain  his  liberty.  Each  time 
he  was  captured  and  taken  back,  until  after  months  of 
waiting,  watching,  and  secretly  working,  he  was  success- 
ful. He  had  been  on  the  road  for  nearly  two  months, 
hiding  by  day,  pursuing  his  weary  way  only  by  night. 
His  clothing  was  worn  to  tatters,  and  he  was  ready  to 
sink  from  exhaustion,  until  now  famishing,  he  was  over- 
taken by  the  generous- minded  troopers,  who  vied  in 
their  attentions  to  the  poor  worn  darkey,  lending  him 
all  the  assistance  in  their  power. 

"  Gwine  home  to  die,  ya,  Massa  Duke,  dis  po'  darkey's 
days  am  numbered.  Pomp  want  to  see  Massa  Tom  an' 
Missy  Nelly  befo'  he  gwine  to  glory.  I'se  las'  but  few 
days  mo',  my  Hebenly  Marster  am  calling  fo'  me,  but  I 
don'  want  to  go  to  glory,  but  to  po'  Massa  Tom's." 

"Oh!  no.  Pomp,  you  must  not  get  disheartened. 
When  you  get  to  '  Massa  Tom's  '  you'll  have  plenty  to 
eat,  good  clothes  to  wear,  and  a  comfortable  place  to 
rest  your  tired  bones.  Old  Mam  Cloe  will  nurse  you, 
you  can  sing,  dance  and  play  the  banjo  along  with  your 
old  friends  on  the  plantation,  and  you  will  again  have 
Parson  Hector  to  explain  Bible  texts  to  you.  You  will 
soon  dance  harder  and  sing  louder  than  the  best  of 
them." 

"  No,  no,  Massa  Duke,  I'se  shua  not  to  las'  long,  all 
worn  out,  nothing  lef  but  skin  an'  bones.  I'se  wan'  to 
go  to  glory." 


166  A   SINGULAR  CHARACTER. 

"  Keep  up  courage,  my  boy  !  You  have  no  doubt  had 
a  hard  time,  but  what  will  our  good  New  England 
brethren  say  when  they  hear  of  a  "Virginia  slave  escap- 
ing from  Northern  liberty  to  Southern  slavery !  A  bit- 
ter pill  for  them  to  swallow,  I  imagine  I  "' 

The  long  day  has  passed  ;  night  has  fallen ;  the  shapely 
spire  of  the  village  church  appears  in  the  distance,  lighted 
by  the  rising  moon. 

Now  the  troop  clatters  down  the  narrow  street  leading 
to  the  old  home  of  Captain  Steele.  Swords  rattling  in 
their  scabbards,  the  jingling  of  horse  trappings  and 
spurs  and  hurrying  foot  falls  of  the  iron-shod  steeds, 
bring  to  every  window  a  startled  face  ;  while  close  at 
hand  appears  the  little  cottage  of  the  widow  Steele,  caus- 
ing memories  of  bygone  days  to  surge  through  the  breast 
of  the  young  leader,  as  he  again  looks  on  the  home  of 
his  childhood  days. 

When  last  he  left  its  precincts,  made  sacred  by  long 
years  of  attachment,  he  was  a  happy  boy.  Now  he  is  a 
man  of  mature  years,  with  large  responsibilities.  His 
thoughts  dwelt  upon  his  aged  mother,  to  whom  he  had 
ever  fled  in  times  of  boyhood  trouble,  to  whom  he  had 
confided  childhood  griefs,  and  from  whom  he  had  now 
been  so  long  separated.  But  what  would  be  her  emo- 
tions when  again  beholding  her  lost  son,  whom  she  had 
every  reason  to  believe  dead  ?  These  thoughts  passing 
in  swift  review  through  his  mind,  he  draws  up  to  the 
gateway,  followed  by  his  weary  troops. 

Throwing  himself  from  the  saddle  he  advances  up  the 
walk  to  the  door,  and  without  stopping  to  knock,  opens 
it,  when  his  mother,  who  has  heard  the  sounds  attending 
the  hurrying  troops,  rises  as  he  enters.     They  meet  1 

The  son  iiad  naturally  greatly  changed  in  appearance 
since  his  mother  last  saw  him.  From  a  beardless  lad, 
pale  from  indoor  life,  thin  from  close  application  to  his 
studies,  he  was  now  a  strong  man,  of  robust  constitution, 
health  glowing  from  every  lineament  of  his  bronzed  face, 
his  lip  covered  with  a  heavy  drooping  moustache,  while 
his  tall   manly  form  appeared  to  great  advantage  in  the 


A   SIISrGULAR   CHARACTER.  167 

close-fitting  uniform.     At  first  not  recognizing  him,  tlie 
surprised  widow  said : 

"  Good-evening,  sir.     Have  a  seat,"  at  the  same  time 
placing  a  chair  at  his  disposal. 

Looking  his  mother  squarely  in  the  face,  meanwhile 
saying  nothing,  a  smile  lighted  up  his  animated  features. 
She  at  once  recognized  him,  exclaiming :  "  My  long 
lost  hoy,"  and  then  falls  helplessly  in  his  arms. 

The  surprise,  mingled  with  joy,  upon  again  beholding 
her  beloved  son,  whom  she  had  every  reason  to  suppose 
dead,  never  expecting  to  again  set  eyes  upon  him,  rend- 
ered it  little  wonder  that  her  heart  stood  still.  Yet  as 
grief  may,  perhaps  often  does  kill,  joy  never  does.  So 
■when  she  regained  her  dazed  faculties,  explanations  were 
hurriedly  made,  and  he  reminded  her  that  time  was  press- 
ing, the  night  fast  waning,  and  he  must  be  gone._  So 
again  mounting,  the  trumpet  sounding  "  double  quick," 
he  bade  his  mother  "  good-night,"  saying  he  would  see 
her  again  very  soon,  and  then  rode  away  rapidly,  taking 
the  road  to  the  Baxter  plantation. 

About  half  the  distance  passed,  a  young  negro  was 
seen  coming  toward  them,  speeding  as  though  his  very 
hfe  depended  on  his  exertions.  In  fact,  the  poor  fellow 
seemed  nearly  to  have  lost  his  wits.  Suddenly  spying 
the  mounted  gray  coats,  he  sent  up  a  loud  shout : 

"  Marsa  sogers,  dem  grillas  don'  killin'  all  Massa  Tom's 
foks,  da  don'  carry  on  drefiful  up  dar,  an'  I  'spects  day'll 
all  be  murdered  ! " 

"  Who  will  be  murdered,  my  boy  ?  "  asked  the  cap- 
tain. 

"  Why,  sah,  everybody  I  Massa  Tom,  Missy  Nelly, 
an  de  all  ob  dem.  Oh  1  fore  de  Lawd,  do  hurry  an  cotch 
dem  drefful  grillas ! " 

As  the  excited  troopers  could  gain  no  further  informa- 
tion from  the  frightened  negro,  whom  Captain  Steele  now 
recognized  as  the  boy  Eph,  he  shouted  to  the  troop 
"  Hurry  on,"  who  putting  spurs  to  their  nearly  worn- 
out  steeds  they  soon  came  within  sight  of  the  tall  chim- 
neys and  many-gabled  roofs  of  the  Baxter  mansion. 


168  A   SINGULAR   CHARACTER. 

As  young  Steele,  guided  by  the  colored  boy  Eph, 
neared  the  house  so  familiar  to  him  in  his  boyhood's 
days,  its  associations  so  closely  entwined  around  his 
old  playmate  and  sweetheart,  Nelly,  his  feelings  may 
be  better  imagined  than  described.  The  thought  of  the 
terrible  guerillas  holding  triumphant  possession  here 
seemed  sacrilege — his  whole  soul  revolted  at  the  thought 
and  urged  him  forward  with  all  possible  speed,  his 
troopers  following  him  with  scarcely  less  eagerness. 

But  what  means  this  unwonted  commotion  ?  Voices, 
in  hilarious  song  and  fierce  contention,  strike  the  ears  of 
the  astonished  troopers,  as  hurrying  on,  they  first  come 
to  a  group  of  horses  held  and  guarded  by  a  squad  of  men 
in  soldier's  garb. 

Hurriedly  passing  these,  they  hasten  up  the  broad 
avenue  leading  to  the  doors  of  the  mansion.  Eeaching 
the  house,  they  spring  from  their  horses,  hurry  up  the 
long  flight  of  steps  and  enter  the  house,  when  a  sight 
meets  their  eyes  and  sounds  fall  on  their  ears  that  bring 
consternation  to  every  heart. 

Tables  extend  the  entire  length  of  the  long  dining- 
hall,  around  which — some  seated,  others  standing — are 
gathered  a  hilarious,  gesticulating,  maddening  crowd  of 
the  worst  characters  and  the  most  fiendish  devils  to  be 
found  in  the  whole  region.  Singing,  shouting,  they  dash 
flowing  goblets  of  wine  upwards  to  the  ceilings  and 
about  the  walls,  deluging  the  choice  paintings  and 
richly  draped  windows. 

A  lawless  gang  of  fierce,  outlawed  guerrillas  had 
surely  taken  possession  of  the  premises. 

As  the  troopers  headed  by  their  gallant  commander 
enter,  every  outlaw  springs  to  his  feet,  each  hand  grasp- 
ing a  revolver  or  drawing  a  sabre,  confronting  the  intru- 
ders with  desperate  courage. 

A  sharp,  sanguinary  conflict  ensues.  Revolvers  rapidly 
discharged  lay  many  a  one  low.  A  combat  of  this 
character  cannot  in  any  event  be  of  long  duration.  The 
numbers  are  too  few,  the  onslaught  is  too  fierce,  the  en- 
gagement too  close,  and  must  soon  be  terminated  either 


A  SINGULAR  CHARACTER.  169 

by  fligbt,  surrender  or  annihilation  ;  the  weaker  party, 
weak  in  either  strength  or  courage,  succumbing  to  the 
stronger. 

In  this  encounter,  the  combatants  were  as  to  numbers 
nearly  equal,  yet  decidedly  the  opposite  as  to  courage. 
For  on  the  one  side  was  arrayed  brute  strength,  waging 
warfare  in  an  unholy  cause ;  on  the  other,  right  fight- 
ing in  the  interest  of  home  and  humanity. 

At  this  instant,  while  the  combat  was  raging  in  its 
fiercest  intensity,  a  scream  of  terror  rose  in  piercing 
accents  from  an  adjoining  apartment. 

Kecognizing  the  voice.  Captain  Steele  without  calling 
for  aid,  hastened  to  the  assistance  of  Nelly  Baxter,  whom 
he  finds  struggling  in  the  grasp  of  an  outlaw  fiend  who 
is  endeavoring  to  secure  her  by  binding  her  with  stout 
cords.  This  fiend,  the  acknowledged  chief  of  the  band,  is 
none  other  than  the  villainous  plantation  schoolmaster 
and  Confederate  spy,  Cyrus  Jones,  who  was  not  known 
to  Captain  Steele,  as  they  had  never  before  met. 

Immediately  recognizing  her  deliverer  as  her  old  friend 
and  lover,  Duke  Steele,  Nelly,  became  so  overcome  by 
the  startling  denouement,  together  with  the  desperate 
struggle  consequent  upon  the  efforts  put  forth  to  regain 
her  liberty  and  to  extricate  herself  from  the  toils  of  her 
captor,  that  she  fell  fainting  in  the  arms  of  her  lover. 

Taking  advantage  of  the  momentary  respite  from  the 
avenging  arm  of  his  opponent  caused  by  the  swooning 
of  Nelly,  the  outlaw  chief  fled,  hastening  to  the  assist- 
ance of  his  comrades  ;  who,  hard  pressed,  were  falling 
back,  meanwhile  exchanging  rapid  shots  and  swift 
blows  with  their  antagonists. 

Quickly  gathering  his  followers  about  him,  the  guer- 
rilla chief  made  one  more  desperate  charge;  which  from 
its  fierceness  caused  the  soldiers  to  momentarily  give  way, 
thus  enabling  the  bandits  to  escape ;  when  quickly  they 
scatter  in  all  directions  from  the  house,  and  reaching 
their  horses,  mount  and  ride  swiftly  away. 

Many  have  fallen  in  this  short  yet  deadly  encounter ; 
some  never  more  to  rise,  others  suffering  from  mortal 


170    INTERVIEW  BETWEEN  NELLY  AND  HER  FATHER. 

wounds,  wliile  a  still  larger  number,  though  seriously 
hurt,  may  not  be  considered  in  immediate  danger. 

During  the  sharp  conflict,  the  negroes  huddled  to- 
gether in  their  cabins,  too  thoroughly  frightened  to  ren- 
der the  least  assistance ;  yet  Parson  Hector  performed  his 
duty  courageousl}'^  by  calling  on  "  de  good  Lawd,  to  sabe 
dem  from  utter  destruction,"  praying,  "  dat  ef  de  time 
am  com  fo'  de  po'  darkeys  to  go  to  glory,  dey  may  be 
prepared  to  entah  de  hebenly  gates,  long  o'  Massa  Tom  ;  " 
for  without  the  company  of  their  good  old  master,  the 
glory  of  the  promised  land  would  necessarily  be  to  them 
greatly  dimmed. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

INTERVIEW  BETWEEN  NELLY  AND  HER  FATHER. 

LYING  on  a  sick  bed,  to  which  he  had  been  con- 
fined for  many  weeks,  in  great  soreness  of  heart 
and  utter  weariness  of  spirit,  Mr.  Baxter  upon  hearing 
the  tumult  below,  previous  to  the  opportune  arrival  of 
Captain  Steele  with  his  faithful  little  band  of  troopers, 
had  striven  to  rise,  the  effort  being  but  partially  success- 
ful. Gaining  an  upright  position,  his  feeble  strength  at 
length  gave  way,  when  he  fell  back  fainting  and  helpless. 

At  this  juncture,  Nelly  dispatched  a  colored  servant 
to  inform  her  father  as  to  the  cause  of  the  great  com- 
motion and  riot  below  ;  but  upon  reaching  his  bedside, 
the  servant  found  him  lying  nearly  unconscious  and 
entirely  helpless,  his  face  bloodless,  presenting  the  hue 
of  death.  At  once  hastening  to  Nelly,  he  informed  her 
of  the  sad  condition  of  her  father,  when  summoning 
Eph,  she  bade  him  hurry  for  the  village  doctor. 

Eluding  the  vigilance  of  the  guerrillas,  Eph  departed 
on  his  mission,  encountering  on  his  way  the  troop 
headed  by  Captain  Steele.  Ere  an  hour  had  elapsed.  Doc- 
tor Jacob  Savage  stood  at  the  bedside  of  the  sick  man. 


INTERVIEW  BETWEEN  NELLY  AND  HER  FATHER.    171 

He  at  once  recognized  in  the  condition  of  his  old  friend 
and  neighbor,  the  fact  that  death  was  near. 

While  the  above  scene  was  transpiring  at  the  evident 
death-bed  of  Mr.  Baxter,  Captain  Duke  Steele  had 
arrived  with  his  band  of  troopers,  and  attacked  the  guer- 
rillas, with  the  result  as  stated. 

But  a  little  time  had  elapsed,  succeeding  their  flight, 
ere  Nelly  had  recovered  from  the  shock  caused  by  the 
sudden  and  wholly  unlooked  for  appearance  of  her  old 
lover,  Duke  Steele,  as  also  the  fright  consequent  on  the 
mad  acts  of  the  riotous  guerrilla  band.  She  was  now  sum- 
moned to  the  bedside  of  her  dying  father.  Meanwhile, 
the  captain,  assisted  by  his  troopers,  was  busily  engaged 
in  caring  for  his  wounded  and  burying  the  dead.  Six 
of  their  number  were  slain,  as  many  more  mortally 
wouTided,  while  several  had  received  hurts  of  a  nature 
from  which  they  would  doubtless  soon  recover  ;  while  of 
the  guerrillas,  a  half  score  lay  dead,  their  wounded  hav- 
ing been  borne  away  on  the  retreat. 

That  the  Hon.  Thomas  Baxter  now  lay  on  his  death- 
bed, Doctor  Savage  afl&rmed  there  could  be  little  doubt. 

After  a  few  moments  of  seemingly  deep  thought,  Mr. 
Baxter  asked  Nelly  if  she  had  heard  anything  of  late 
concerning  the  fate  of  either  her  brother  or  Duke  Steele. 

"  Yes,  papa,"  said  Nelly,  "  I  have  received  a  letter  from 
brother  Herman,  in  which  he  stated  that  he  was  about 
to  sail  in  a  vessel  destined  for  a  three  years'  cruise  in  the 
Southern  seas ;  that  he  was  going  out  with  a  good  cap- 
tain and  worthy  man,  in  the  position  of  ship's  clerk. 
He  wrote  in  excellent  spirits,  said  his  health  was  good, 
and  that  he  had  most  successfully  evaded  his  pursuers ; 
who  had,  in  order  to  effect  his  capture,  resorted  to  all 
manner  of  stratagem ;  but  in  the  various  disguises  he 
had  assumed,  he  had  eluded  them  all.  He  also  wrote 
me  all  about  a  daughter  of  his  captain.  Bessie  Perkins 
is  her  name,  and  he  sent  me  her  address,  in  New  York, 
where  she  will  remain  with  her  aunt  until  her  father's 
return.  Herman  is,  judging  from  the  way  he  wrote, 
evidently  very  much  in  love  with  her,  and  wishes  me  to 


172    INTERVIEW  BETWEEN  NELLY  AMD  HER  FATHER. 

visit  the  young  lady.  But,  papa,  I've  a  much  greater 
surprise  in  store  for  you  than  this  even,  no  less  than 
that  Duke  Steele  is  living,  is  well,  never  was  murdered, 
never  heard  that  he  was,  nor  even  one  syllable  about  the 
afifair,  which  came  so  near  ending  brother  Herman's 
career.  He  is  now  in  this  house,  the  commander  of  a 
body  of  cavalry,  and  it  was  he  who  so  unexpectedly,  so 
opportunely  arrived  and  put  to  flight  the  guerrilla  gang  and 
rescued  me  from  the  clutch  of  their  chief,  who  is  none 
other  than  your  most  worthy  plantation  school-teacher 
and  Confederate  spy,  the  renegade  whom  you  so  gener- 
ously befriended,  Cyrus  Jones. 

"But  what  seems  more  strange  than  all  else,  is  that 
Duke,  now  Captain  Steele  of  the  Confederate  army, 
appeared  just  in  time  to  disperse  the  band  of  outlaws  ; 
who,  after  a  short  but  bloody  fight,  retreated,  leaving  a 
number  of  their  dead  behind  as  silent  witnesses  of  the 
prowess  of  the  gallant  leader,  and  brave  band  of  Con- 
federate troopers. 

"  Papa,  I  had  nearly  come  to  believe  that  Duke  was 
dead— or  may  be  had  found  someone  more  worthy  of  his 
love  than  I — but,  papa,  he  still  loves  me,  and  is  here 
alive,  well,  and  now  attending  to  the  wounded  and  bury- 
ing the  dead  of  both  his  own  and  the  guerrilla  forces. 
Why,  it  does  really  seem  as  though  some  higher  power 
had  interfered  to  thwart  those  evil-minded  men  in  their 
designs  upon  us,  and  I  am  truly  thankful  to  heaven,  and 
grateful  to  Duke." 

"My  daughter,"  interrupted  Mr.  Baxter,  "  there  is  no 
man  living  more  worthy  of  your  love  than  Duke 
Steele.  At  the  same  time,  I  can  honestly  say  that  I 
could  have  no  more  heart-felt  desire  than  that  he  should 
have  found  another  upon  whom  to  place  his  affections." 

"  Why,  papa  1  What  do  you — what  can  you  mean  ?  " 
Then  realizing  she  was  overstepping  the  bounds  of 
prudence  in  thus  disobeying  the  doctor's  injunction  to 
say  nothing  tending  to  unduly  excite  the  feelings  of  her 
poor  suffering  father,  in  a  softened  tone  she  continued : 
"  Papa,   you  have  at  all  times  spoken  of  Duke  in  the 


INTERVIEW  BETWEEN  NELLY  AND  HER  FATHER.    173 

highest  terms,  you  have  educated  him  and  in  every  way 
treated  him  as  your  own  son." 

Raising  his  thin,  nearly  transparent  hands  to  his  wasted 
face,  thus  hiding  his  eyes  from  the  earnest  gaze  of  his 
daughter,  who,  mute  and  surprised,  sat  by  his  bedside, 
he  said  in  a  low,  half-smothered  voice  : 

"  My  daughter,  I  had  hoped  to  spare  you  this  I  am 
about  to  tell  you ;  but  now  finding  it  of  the  greatest 
moment  to  both  yourself  and  Duke,  it  is  an  imperative 
duty  laid  upon  me ;  and  believe  me  when  I  say  it  is  for 
your  good,  and  his,  only,  that  I  now  acknowledge  the  one 
great  sin  of  my  life.  You  say  I've  ever  treated  Duke 
as  a  son.  Close  the  door,  my  daughter,  that  no  listening 
ear  may  hear  what  I  am  about  to  say.  Nelly,  Duke 
Steel,  is  my  son  and  your  brother  1 " 

"  God  in  heaven  I  Papa,  are  you  in  your  right  mind'/ 
Do  you  know,  or  realize  what  you  are  saying  to  me  ?  " 

"  Yes,  my  daughter,  my  mind  is  still  clear,  and  I  real- 
ize only  too  well  the  purport  of  the  explanation  I  am 
about  to  make,  and  that  it  will  both  shock  and  perhaps 
terrify  you ;  but  notwithstanding  this,  as  I  said  before, 
it's  for  your  good.     Yes,  both  for  you  and  Duke." 

Mr.  Baxter  now  conversed  with  Nelly,  until  his 
strength  completely  failing,  he  was  compelled  to  desist 
from  further  effort.     He  could  say  no  more. 

He  had  told  Nelly  the  whole  story  of  his  life,  of  Duke's 
mother,  her  girlhood,  youthful  beauty,  and  his  strong 
attachment.  How,  in  a  moment  of  weakness,  he  had 
betrayed  her,  under  the  promise  of  marriage ;  of  the  sub- 
sequent birth  of  a  son  ;  previous  to  which,  however,  she 
had  left  the  vicinity  of  her  former  home,  going  a  long 
distance  away,  there  living  in  seclusion  until  married  to 
the  reputed  father  of  Duke  Steele,  whose  name  Duke 
had  always  borne. 

"I  fully  intended  fulfilling  the  promise  I  had  m.ade  to 
the  girl  by  marrying  her,"  continued  Mr.  Baxter,  "  but  I 
gave  way  to  tlie  opposition  of  my  father,  who  foolishly 
threatened  to  disinherit  me  should  I  carry  out  my  prom- 
ise to  her.  I,  on  the  other  hand,  as  foolislily  believed 
he  meant  what  he  said,  so  I  basely  yielded  to  his  solicit- 


174    INTERVIEW  BETWEEN  NELLY  AND  HER  FATHER. 

atioDS — commands  rather — thereby  showing  my  weak- 
ness and  indecision  of  character.  But  I  can  truthfully 
say  I  have  at  all  times  sought  to  make  what  reparation 
I  was  able,  without  in  any  manner  awakening  the  jeal- 
ous suspicions  of  her  friends  and  neighbors. 

"  Nelly,  my  dear,  ever  act  as  a  daughter  to  Duke's 
mother,  for  she  is  a  good  and  true  woman.  The  love  and 
care  you  bestow  on  her  will  in  some  measure  tend  to 
alleviate  the  sting  of  remorse  which  has  for  so  many  long 
years  tortured  the  heart  of  your  poor  father,  as  also  tend 
to  soften  the  cares  and  lighten  the  weight  of  her  declin- 
ing years." 

"  But,  papa,  what  reason  did  grandpa  give  for  wishing 
to  seperate  you  from  the  girl  you  loved  ?  " 

"  She  was  poor.  Her  parents  died  when  she  was  a 
child,  leaving  her  to  the  care  of  a  maiden  sister  of  her 
father,  who  had  a  hard  struggle  to  procure  the  actual  neces- 
saries of  life,  and  consequently  could  not  give  the  young 
girl  the  advantages  of  an  education,  or  of  the  social  cir- 
cles in  which  our  family  moved ;  but  as  she  was  the 
possessor  of  great  beauty  of  person,  combined  with  an 
admirable  character  of  a  lively  and  cheerful  disposition, 
her  admirers  were  many.  Still  the  one  thing  telling 
most  heavily  against  her  in  the  estimation  of  your  grand- 
father was  that  she  was  a  poor  orphan.  He  was  an 
excessively  proud  man,  proud  of  his  ancestry  and  of  the 
exalted  position  the  family  had  always  held  in  the  com- 
munity and  State. 

*'  Keep  what  I  have  said  to  you  a  secret,  my  daughter 
— for  the  present,  at  least.  The  time  may,  and  doubtless 
will  come,  when  from  the  attachment  which  has  so  long 
existed  between  yourself  and  Duke,  you  will  find  it 
necessary  to  divulge  it ,  otherwise  trouble  might  arise 
for  both,  and  for  this  reason  and  this  only,  have  I  deemed 
it  an  imperative  duty  to  burden  you  with  the  sad  story." 

Noticing  at  the  close  of  the  last  sentence  that  her 
father,  from  sheer  weariness  and  exaustion,  had  fallen 
into  a  doze,  Nelly  left  him  with  sad  forebodings  of  heart 
and  secret  misgivings  as  to  the  future. 


BURNING  OF  THE  BAXTER   MANSION.  176 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

BURNING   OF   THE   BAXTER   MANSION. 

' '  TjlIAH !  Fiah !  de  house  am  on  fiah  I "  came  in 
Jj       startled  shouts  from  the  negro  quarters. 

The  rear  of  the  large  building  was  one  seething  mass 
of  flames. 

One  of  the  members  of  the  dastardly  guerrilla  crew 
had  secretly,  before  leaving,  applied  the  torch  to  the  fur- 
niture in  an  outer  room,  which  being  tightly  closed,  the 
flames  had  smouldered,  only  at  this  instant  bursting 
forth. 

All  was  now  confusion.  The  colored  servants,  terror- 
stricken,  moaning,  crying,  shouting  "  Fo'  de  Lawd,  Massa 
Tom  don'  burn  to  deth ; "  instead  of  turniug  in  and  lend- 
ing a  helping  hand,  fright  so  terrorized  them  they  stood 
powerless,  hopelessly  looking  on. 

The  dead  combatants  removed  and  buried,  the  wounded 
lay  helpless  at  the  mercy  of  the  sweeping,  deadly  flames. 

With  decision,  coolness  and  presence  of  mind — never 
so  conspicuously  displayed  as  when  imminent  danger 
threatened — Captain  Steele  ordered  the  poor  helpless 
victims  to  be  taken  to  the  lawn  in  front  and  at  some  lit- 
tle distance  from  the  burning  building.  Then  hastening 
to  the  rooms  above,  he  assisted  in  the  removal  of  his 
dying  friend  to  the  negro  quarters,  where  he  expired  a  few 
moments  later,  but  not  until  he  had  recognized  and  bade 
adieu  to  his  supposed  son,  Duke  Steele. 

Taking  the  hand  of  the  young  captain,  the  dying  man 
had  just  sufficient  strength  to  murmur,  "  Thank  God,  my 
boy,  my  last  gaze  rests  upon  you  and  my  darliog  Nelly." 
Then  all  was  over,  the  weary,  troubled  heart  at  rest. 

The  building  was  old ;  the  flames  spread  meantime  rap- 
idly.    The  wounded  soldiers  having  been  removed  to  a 


176  BURNING  OF   THE   BAXTER   MANSION. 

place  of  safety,  attention  was  now  directed  to  the  saving 
of  the  various  articles  of  furniture  nearest  at  hand,  as 
also  the  paintings  on  the  walls  and  whatever  else  might 
be  secured  without  endangering  life.  The  flames  are 
seen  bursting  from  nearly  every  door  aud  window,  and 
the  whole  of  the  large  roof  was  one  mass  of  fire.  Smoke 
in  stifling  clouds  rose,  darkening  the  lurid  sky,  while  shafts 
of  flame  shot  high  in  the  air;  yet  nothing  was  done, 
nothing  could  be  done  to  stay  the  conflagration  or  save 
the  blazing  structure. 

Now  the  roof  falls,  sending  up  to  the  darkened  heavens 
great  masses  of  sparkling  flames  and  lurid  cloud.  Now 
the  walls  surrender  to' the  fierce,  overpowering  heat,  the 
massive  chimneys  fall,  and  soon  all  that  remains  of 
the  once  stately  mansion — around  which  cluster  the 
memories  of  so  many  happy  days,  and  associations  reach- 
ing backward  to  the  early  days  of  the  colonial  settle- 
ment of  this  now  well-peopled  neighborhood — is  a  pile 
of  ruins. 

It  seemed  a  matter  of  necessity  that  Captain  Steele 
should  remain  with  his  friends  for  a  few  days  at  least, 
assisting  in  the  burial  of  the  remains  of  his  old  friend 
and  benefactor,  as  also  attending  to  the  many  duties 
looking  to  the  safety  of  Nelly  and  the  welfare  of  the 
negro  community.  He  was  well  aware  that  he  was  not 
only  expected  to  return  to  the  army  and  his  command, 
but  that  his  services  were  now  greatly  in  demand  by  his 
colonel.  But  as  his  presence  at  the  scene  of  the  late 
disaster  was  of  the  first  importance,  he  dispatched  a 
sergeant  to  army  head-quarters,  informing  the  colonel  as 
to  the  situation,  at  the  same  time  begging  a  further  leave 
of  absence. 

Two  days  succeeding  the  death  of  Thomas  Baxter,  his 
remains  were  deposited  in  the  village  cemetery  by  the 
side  of  those  of  Nelly's  mother,  and  in  near  proximity 
to  those  of  preceding  generations,  the  most  of  whom 
had  found  a  last  resting-place  in  the  same  little  village 
burying  ground.  The  funeral  was  attended  by  people 
from   the   surrounding  country,  who  came  together  in 


BURNING   OF   THE   BAXTER   MANSION.  177 

large  numbers  to  do  honor  to  their  friend  and  neighbor, 
whom  many  loved  and  all  respected. 

The  Hon.  John  Eichardson,  sitting  in  his  office  ex- 
amining papers  relative  to  an  important  suit  pending  and 
soon  to  be  tried,  picking  up  a  copy  of  the  Richmond 
Enquirer,  noticed  an  account  of  the  death  of  his  old 
friend,  but  was  greatly  shocked  upon  learning  the  attend- 
ing circumstances,  a  full  account  of  -which  was  given  in 
that  morning's  edition. 

"  My  friend  Baxter  dead  !  the  old  mansion  destroyed 
by  fire !  the  detested  guerrillas  the  cause  of  the  terrible 
calamity  !  the  poor  negroes  left  helpless !  Nelly  with- 
out a  home !  What  can  this  all  mean  ?  Surely,  I  must 
hasten  to  her  assistance,"  he  exclaimed. 

While  he  greatly  sorrowed  at  the  loss  of  his  friend,  at 
the  destruction  of  the  old  homestead,  also  regretting  the 
sad  state  of  affairs,  a  not  unwelcome  thought  intruded 
itself,  bringing  comfort  and  relief  to  his  mind.  Having 
in  good  measure  recovered  from  his  former  deep  seated 
trouble,  thus  regaining  his  usual  health  and  spirits,  still 
in  the  prime  of  life,  why  should  he  not  become  a  success- 
ful suitor  for  the  hand  of  one  whom  be  had  so  long 
worshipped  ?  He  now  rejoiced  that  no  word  had  been 
spoken,  no  look  given,  no  outward  thought  expressed, 
which  might  be  interpreted  in  the  light  of  love. 

Nelly  neither  now,  nor  ever  had  been  aware  of  the  fact 
that  he  had  more  than  a  passing  friendly  regard  for  her. 
Still  that  some  deep,  and  to  her,  unfathonable  trouble 
had  borne  most  heavily  upon  him  at  the  trial  of  her 
brother,  she  well  knew.  Of  its  cause  she  was  wholly 
ignorant. 

Canvassing  the  weighty  subject,  he  determined  to  say 
nothing  of  these  things  so  wholly  engrossing  his  mind, 
until  grief  for  the  loss  of  her  father,  and  sorrow  for  the 
enforced  absence  of  her  brother  should  have  in  some 
degree  passed  away.  Then,  when  becoming  more  recon- 
ciled to  her  lonely  condition,  he  would  lay  both  hand  and 
heart  at  her  feet,  pleading  their  acceptance. 

Vigorously  applying  himself  to  the  task  of  placing 
11 


178  BURNING   OF   THE   BAXTER   MANSION. 

the  affairs  of  the  plantation  in  as  good  order  as  his 
limited  time  would  allow,  in  which  he  was  ablj  assisted 
by  the  Richmond  lawyer — who,  upon  examining  the 
papers  of  Mr.  Baxter,  found  he  was  appointed  in  con- 
nection with  Nelly,  administrator  of  the  estate — well 
understanding  that  the  business  was  now  placed  in  com- 
petent hands  and  that  his  services  would  be  no  longer 
required,  Captain  Steele  bade  Nelly  and  the  lawyer 
*'  good-bye,"  returning  to  his  regiment. 

Before  taking  this  step,  however,  he  held  a  lengthy 
conversation  Avith  Nelly  regarding  their  future.  He 
told  her  the  whole  story  of  his  connection  with  the  col- 
lege student,  Ephraim  Stroud,  and  the  reason  why  he  so 
suddenly  took  his  departure  from  college,  saying  nothing 
in  extenuation  of  his  foolish  conduct,  as  witnessed  in 
that  disgraceful  affair,  which  led  to  so  much  trouble  to 
all  parties.  After  going  over  the  whole  ground,  leaving 
nothing  unsaid,  not  attempting  to  exonerate  himself  from 
blame,  he  closed  by  saying : 

"  Nelly,  I  now  throw  myself  wholly  on  your  gener- 
osity, praying  forgiveness  for  my  many  great,  though 
unintentional  faults  ;  and  I  hope  that  our  former  rela- 
tions may  be  again  resumed, and  that  we  maybe  to  each 
other  the  same  true  lovers  as  before." 

Nelly  listened  to  his  impassioned  words  with  down- 
cast eyes,  and  then  tearfully  told  him  she  could  never  be 
to  him  more  than  now,  yet  that  the  reasons  for  this  she 
could  not  now  give.  "  But,"  said  she,  *'  the  time  will 
come,  when  all  shall  be  explained.  Then  you  will  do 
me  the  justice  to  admit  that  I  am  in  the  right.  And, 
Duke,  until  that  time  does  come,  let  all  things  remain  as 
now." 

Then  he  left  her,  remaining  under  the  impression  that 
the  reports  which  had  been  the  direct  cause  of  his  so 
suddenly  disappearing  from  college,  and  which  he  had 
just  been  telling  her,  the  only  reason  why  she  rejected 
his  suit.  And  now  as  he  was  about  to  leave  her  for  the 
scenes  of  war  and  its  vicissitudes,  she  thought  it  no  more 
than  right  to  tell  him  the  whole  story  of  her  brother's 


BATTLE   OF   FREDERICKSBUR(J.  179 

arrest,  trial  and  condemnation  ;  the  same  in  substance  as 
had  been  told  him  by  the  supposed  mad  man. 

Leaving  Nelly,  he  called  upon  his  mother,  bidding  her 
farewell.  Then,  as  his  duty  lay  in  the  direction  of  his 
regiment,  a  duty  paramount  to  every  other  considera- 
tion, he  took  his  deparature  for  the  seat  of  war,  the 
scene  of  future  agrandizement  and  well-satisfied  ambi- 
tion. Previous  to  which,  however,  he  bade  Nelly  "good- 
bye," desiring  her,  should  his  services  be  required  at  the 
plantation,  to  give  him  due  notice  and  he  would  hasten 
to  her  aid — and  thus  they  parted. 


CHAPTEE  XXVII. 

BATTLE  OF   FREDERICKSBURG. 

THOUGH  with  much  reluctance.  General  Burnside 
had  finally   accepted  command  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac,  he  immediately  deciding  upon  a  plan  of 
campaign. 

The  main  body  of  the  army  was  at  this  time  concen- 
trated at  Warrenton,  where  they  had  been  camped  for 
several  days. 

The  plan  adopted  by  General  Burnside,  concurred  in 
by  his  corps  commanders,  was  none  other  than  by  a  rapid 
movement  to  cross  the  Eappahannock  at  a  point  directly 
opposite  the  city  of  Fredericksburg.  Accordingly,  his 
columns  were  put  in  motion,  moving  with  the  utmost 
speed,  hoping  thereby  to  take  the  enemy  unawares. 

The  mouth  of  Acquia  Creek,  at  the  point  where  it 
puts  into  the  Potomac,  was  the  established  base  of  sup- 
plies. Piers  and  roads  were  constructed,  and  immense 
supplies  collected  for  the  subsistence  of  a  force  computed 
at  this  time  to  number  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  men  of  all  arms. 

As  the  only  means  of  crossing  the  Eappahannock  at 
the  point  in  question  was  by  pontoon  bridges,  a  large 


180  BATTLE   OF  FREDERICKSBUEG. 

and  sufficient  number  were  ordered  from  Washington,  to 
be  delivered  at  Falmouth  on  the  fifteenth  of  September, 
with  the  view  of  crossing  the  river  quietly  and  unsus- 
pected by  the  enemy  ;  but  through  some  miscalculation 
or  design,  tlie  pontoons  did  not  arrive  until  the  twenty- 
third,  five  days  later. 

Fatal  delay  for  the  advance  of  the  Federal  army ! 
Upon  reaching  Falmouth  they  found  to  their  chagrin,  the 
heights  to  the  rear  and  below  Fredericksburg  one  un- 
broken sea  of  tents,  The  enemy  had,  by  some  unknown 
means,  been  apprised  of  General  Burnside's  designs. 
For  there  they  were,  securely  posted  on  chosen  ground, 
ready  to  oppose  his  crossing;  and  it  really  began  to 
appear  that  the  Union  forces  could  neither  move,  or  even 
contemplate  a  movement,  without  its  being  immediately 
made  known  to  the  enemy. 

Carrie  Foster,  the  reputed  hospital  nurse,  had  received 
passes  from  the  former  commander  of  the  Federal  forces, 
General  George  B.  McClellan,  authorizing  her  to  go 
through  the  camps  of  the  various  corps  and  divisions — 
in  fact,  no  portion  of  the  army  was  exempt  from  her 
scrutiny.  Aided  by  a  watchful  eye,  unquestioned,  she 
went  wheresoever  she  chose,  finding  no  opposition.  So 
when  the  command  was  turned  over  to  General  Burnside, 
he  at  once  countersigned  the  order  to  which  General 
McClellan's  name  was  attached.  Thus  doubly  armed, 
the  beautiful  spy  rode  about  camp  whither  her  sweet 
fancy  led,  commonly  taking  her  to  those  positions  where 
frequently  unseen,  generally  unobserved,  she  could  listen 
to,  see,  or  hear  whatsoever  was  taking  place  and  that 
she  most  desired  to  know.  Afterward  she  would  hurry 
to  General  Lee,  place  the  report  in  his  own  hands,  no 
one  being  the  wiser,  thus  taking  a  mean  advantage  of  a 
most  generous  act  of  courtesy  on  the  part  of  the  Federal 
commander.  So  in  the  present  instance  she  had  been  a 
keen  listener  to  the  conference  between  General  Burn- 
side  and  his  chiefs,  in  this  manner  becoming  fully  cogni- 
zant of  the  former's  designs  in  regard  to  crossing  his  grand 
army  over  the  Rap[)ahannock.     She  had  without  delay 


BATTLE  OF  FREDERICKSBURG.  181 

carried  tlie  important  information  to  the  Confederate 
commander,  so  that  on  the  appointed  day  General  Lee's 
whole  force  was  drawn  up  in  the  rear,  and  on  either  side, 
together  with  a  large  force  in  front  of  the  city  of  Fred- 
ericksbug,  fully  prepared,  to  resist  every  attempt  at  cross- 
ing the  river. 

At  this  interview  with  General  Lee,  Carrie  Foster  had 
not  noticed  a  pair  of  keen  black  eyes  resting  on  her  face. 
Their  owner,  a  young  negro,  was  intently  watching  and 
carefully  listening  to  each  word  the  handsome  spy  was 
saying  to  the  great  commander. 

Going  back  to  the  time  when  Captain  Duke  Steele  was 
preparing  to  take  leave  of  the  Baxter  plantation  and 
family,  we  must  relate  that  he  was  accosted  by  a  negro 
lad  who,  removing  an  ancient  hat  from  his  woolly  head, 
said  in  eager  tones  : 

"  Massa  Captin,  Eph  don'  wan'  to  go  long  o'  yo'. 
"Will  yo'  take  me,  sah?     I'se  don'  wan'  to  go  to  wah?" 

"Well,  my  boy,"  said  the  surprised  captain,  "what 
would  you  be  good  for,  supposing  I  should  consent  to 
take  you  ?  " 

"  Wha',  Massa  Captin,  I'se  don'  cook,  brak  yo'  boots, 
brush  yo'  unform,  an'  lots  of  oder  tings,  sah.  Can  I  go 
wid  yo',  sah  ?  " 

"  Whose  boy  are  you  ?  " 

"  I'se  Massa  Tom's  nigga,  but  Massa  Tom  don'  gon' 
to  glory,  an'  I'se  no  call  to  sta  heah  no  mo'.  Will  yo' 
take  me  long,  sah  ?  " 

"  Well,  yes,  if  your  Mistress  Nelly  has  no  objections  to 
your  leaving,  I'll  take  you." 

"  Oh !  No  sah.  Missy  Nelly  don'  hab  no  'jections." 

"  Come  along  then,"  said  Captain  Steele,  who  had  lit- 
tle objections  to  the  services  of  a  smart  negro  boy,  even 
if  'Missy  Nelly'  had.  I  will  procure  a  mule  for  you 
at  the  village.     Can  you  ride  a  mule?  " 

"Yes,  sah,  I  don'  ride  er  mule  lots  o'  times." 

"  Well,  then,  run  on  ahead  to  the  village.  I'll  soon 
be  there  and  will  purchase  an  animal  for  your  own  use." 

So  it  was  settled,  and  happily  for  the  poor  boy,  who, 


182  BATTLE   OF   FREDERICKSBURG. 

now  that  his  "marster  was  gon'  to  glory,"  could  illy 
consent  to  remain  longer  at  the  lonesome,  soon  to  be 
deserted  plantation.  On  the  contrary,  he  had  much 
rather  go  to  "  wha,"  "  wha',"  as  he  said,  "there  was  som' 
stir,  somthin'  gwyn  on,"  filling  the  position  of  cook, 
bootblack  and  "uniform  "  duster  to  the  genial  captain,  to 
whom  he  had  taken  an  unusual  liking  and  whom  he 
would  doubtless  faithfully  serve. 

This  was  the  lad  so  intently  listening  to  the  words  of 
the  fascinating  spy,  the  late  Thomas  Baxter's  boy  Eph, 
who  has  grown  both  in  stature  and  wisdom  since  we  first 
met  him,  carrying  the  eggs  to  Mam  Cloe,  "  wha  don'  got 
chickens  in  dem ; "  also  the  boy  who  so  opportunely 
encountered  Captain  Steele,  begging  him  to  hurry,  "  as 
dem  awful  grillas  am  carrin'  on  so  dredful  at  Massa 
Tom's." 

Eph  is  neither  a  rebel  nor  secessionist,  no  more  than 
was  his  master,  but  a  true  believer  in  "Massa  Lincum," 
his  own  great  desire  being  to  reach  the  camp  of  "  Massa 
Lincum's  sogers,"  and  he  has  lain  awake  many  a  long 
night  studying  the  problem  as  to  how  he  is  to  accom- 
plish the  long  desired  object.  Now  it  is  in  a  fair  way 
of  being  happily  solved.  He  will  go  with  "  Massa  Cap- 
tin  "  to  the  Confederate  lines,  and  then  watch  the  oppor- 
tunity of  escaping  to  the  Union  army  and  the  "Bojs  in 
Blue,"  whom  he  has  so  often  heard  eulogized  by  "  Massa 
Tom,  who  am  gone  to  glory."     He  will  go  to  war. 

Carrie  Foster  in  the  role  of  Confederate  spy  when 
with  the  Confederates,  hospital  nurse  when  riding  about 
the  Federal  camp,  had  officiated  in  these  two  capacities 
some  three  months,  or  since  the  day  following  the  battle 
of  Antietam,  fought  on  the  seventeenth  day  of  Septem- 
ber. 

Now  December  fifteenth,  two  days  after  the  battle  of 
Fredericksburg,  in  the  midst  of  a  cold  wintry  night  of 
wind,  rain  and  snow,  the  Federal  forces  recrossed  the 
Rappahannock  under  most  distressing  and  disheartening 
circumstances. 

The  "  Boys  in  Blue  "  had,  after  three  days'  occupation 


THE    COMBAT.  183 

of  the  Fredericksburg  plains,  retreated  in  the  face  of  an 
unsuspecting,  unconscious  foe.  The  latter  were  lulled  to 
rest  in  the  belief  that  they  beld  the  Federal  army  in  a 
secure  position,  from  which  there  was  no  escape  other 
than  by  inglorious  retreat.  This  was  considered  scarcely 
possible,  from  the  well-known  bravery  of  the  Federal 
commander,  coupled  with  the  disgrace  naturally  attend- 
ing such  a  proceeding.  The  Confederates  therefore  lay 
in  their  snug  tents  on  that  stormy  night,  dreaming  of  an 
easy  victory  on  the  morrow,  followed  by  the  surrender 
of  the  entire  Federal  army. 

Delusive  dream  !  Delusive  hope !  For  when  the 
day  broke,  and  before  another  sun  had  risen,  these  too 
sanguine  souls  looked  out  on  the  plains  where  at  night- 
fall lay  encamped  a  mighty  host  in  the  panoply  of 
war,  and  saw  naught  now  but  a  few  stunted  bushes, 
here  and  there  a  solitary  tree.  Not  a  living  soul  was 
there,  only  now  and  then  a  cluster  of  mounds,  in 
which  lay  the  last  remains  of  many  a  brave  spirit  who 
had  there  laid  down  a  life  for  the  preservation  of  a 
nation,  his  birthright,  and  the  honor  of  a  flag,  his  coun- 
try's emblem  of  freedom. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


THE  COMBAT. 


THE  staunch  cruiser  Black  Eagle  has  sailed  from 
the  port  of  New  York  with  flying  colors,  a  spank- 
ing breeze,  "  all  sail  set."  Thus  standing  out  to  sea,  she 
made  rapid  progress,  for  she  has  proved  a  fast  sailer. 

The  day  was  waning;  the  shades  of  night  drew 
near  ;  the  long  low-lying  distant  hills  faded  in  the  gloom, 
with  now  and  then  a  faint  glimmering  star  seen  through 
the  fog-laden  atmosphere;  nought  surrounding  but  a 
wild  waste  of  waters ;  and  while  the  great  maritime 
port  of  the  New  World  lay  behind,  thousands  of  miles 
of  broad  ocean  expanse  lay  before. 


184  THE  COMBAT. 

Our  friends  are  now  at  last  at  sea  on  board  the  great 
ship  so  long  in  preparation  for  a  lengthy  voyage,  and 
no  vessel  hud  ever  before  sailed  from  any  American 
port  better  manned,  provisioned,  armed  and  equipped. 

It  may  well  be  asked,  where  the  destination  of  the 
Black  Eagle  and  what  her  purpose.  Of  this  none  could 
tell  until  sealed  instructions  in  the  possession  of  the  cap- 
tain should  be  opened  when  arriving  at  a  certain  latitude 
of  the  Southern  seas.  Now  three  days  out,  a  length  of 
time  sufficient  to  prove  the  sailing  powers  of  the  noble 
ship,  favoring  winds  rapidly  wafting  her  on  her  way,  the 
whole  ship's  company  settled  down  to  their  various 
duties. 

On  the  fourth  morning  out,  just  as  the  sun  rose  from 
out  the  horizon,  the  lookout  reported  a  deuse  column  of 
smoke  lifting  in  the  east.  Soon  after  appeared  the  colors 
from  the  topmast,  then  the  tall  smoke  stack,  now  the 
long  low  black  hull  of  an  armed  steamer,  evidently  in 
pursuit  of  the  Black  Eagle ;  as  coming  directly  toward 
her,  moving  with  great  speed,  columns  of  black  smoke 
rising  from  the  funnel,  she  displays  from  the  masthead 
the  Union  flag,  while  at  the,  moment  of  being  run  up, 
a  heavy  gun  is  discharged,  the  shot  passing  directly  in 
front  of  the  bow  of  the  ship. 

Captain  Perkins  now  gave  the  order,  when  the  ship 
was  "  hove  to,"  the  steamer  approaching  to  within  hail- 
ing distance.  It  proved  a  revenue  cutter  of  the  larger 
class,  completely  manned  and  heavily  armed,  the  bright 
shining  metal  of  a  long  brass  thirty-two  pounder  mid- 
ship, while  from  a  dozen  open  ports  protruded  the  black 
muzzles  of  as  many  pieces  of  heavy  ordnance. 

One  of  the  largest  and  most  powerful  revenue  vessels 
in  the  service,  she  was  engaged  in  looking  after  smug- 
glers, at  the  same  time  protecting  innocent  merchant- 
men, both  out-going  and  in -coming,  from  the  depre- 
dations of  Confederate  cruisers;  wlio  prowling  about, 
chanced  now  and  then  to  light  on  some  merchant  vessel, 
usually  satisfied  by  confiscating  such  goods  as  might  be 
made  of  use,  and  other  vakiables  always  acceptable. 


THE  COMBAT.  185 

The  Black  Eagle  hove  to.  A  boat  manned  by  a  half- 
score  of  sailors  at  the  oars,  one  half  this  number  of 
marines  as  guard,  headed  by  a  lieutenant,  was  swiftly 
rowed  to  the  side  of  the  cruiser,  when  the  officer  in 
command  asked  in  a  haughty  manner  and  athoritative 
tone  of  voice : 

"  Is  this  the  Black  Eagle,  commanded  by  Captain 
Jonathan  Perkins  ?  " 

Being  answered  in  the  affirmative  by  the  captain  him- 
self, who  upon  the  approach  of  the  steamer  had  taken 
position  at  the  stern,  the  lieutenant  said : 

"  Sir,  I  am  sent  in  pursuit  of  a  condemned  criminal, 
one  Herman  Baxter,  under  the  authority  of  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States.  I  demand  his  surrender 
from  your  hands,  to  be  placed  in  possession  of  my  own, 
peaceably  if  possible,  by  force  if  necessary." 

"  Well,  lieutenant,  with  all  due  respect  both  to  your- 
self and  the  United  States  Government — the  latter,  whose 
authority  alone  I  recognize,  and  under  whose  flag  I  sail 
— he  cannot,  will  not,  and  to  be  plain  in  the  matter,  shall 
not,  be  delivered  up  to  you  without  my  consent.  You 
will,  I  am  confident,  fail  in  your  undertaking.  In  expla- 
nation I  will  say,  my  friend  Baxter  was  arrested,  tried, 
found  guilty  and  condemned  under  a  false  accusation  and 
by  perjured  testimony.  Of  this  I  am  fully  convinced. 
And  having  taken  him  under  my  protection,  I  shall  not 
of  my  own  accord  deliver  him  up  to  you.  On  the  con- 
trary, I  shall  protect  him  from  all  harm  to  the  best  of 
my  ability  and  the  power  of  the  vessel  on  whose  deck  I 
now  stand." 

Upon  hearing  these  nobly  spoken  sentiments  of  their 
commander,  the  entire  ship's  company  loudly  cheered, 
thus  showing  the  sympathy  they  felt  and  good  will  they 
entertained  for  their  comrade,  the  ship's  clerk. 

Going  back  a  little  to  the  evening  the  Black  Eagle 
sailed  from  New  York,  it  must  be  stated  that  Herman 
Baxter,  known  to  Captain  Perkins  as  Charles  Le  Clair, 
had  informed  him  as  to  his  standing,  and  why  he  was 
going  under  an  assumed  name.     He  told  him  the  whole 


186  THE  COMBAT. 

story  of  his  life,  as  lie  bad  previously  told  the  captain's 
daughter  Bessie. 

The  lieutenant  commanding  the  revenue  cutter,  reply- 
ing to  the  threats  of  Captain  Perkins,  said  : 

"  Sir,  you  have  lieard  the  orders  of  the  Government 
which  I,  as  the  accredited  agent,  shall  most  surely  carry 
into  effect,  as  I  am  bound  to  obey  them  at  whatever 
hazard.  The  choice,  sir,  lies  with  you  either  to  deliver 
up  this  man  peaceably,  or  I  shall  be  compelled  to  take 
him  by  force,  as  I  before  said.  The  alternative  now 
rests  with  you.     Choose  which  you  will  accept." 

"  Why,"  replied  the  undaunted  captain,  a  smile  of 
derision  meanwhile  settling  over  his  good-humored  face, 
"  I  have  no  choice  in  the  matter.  For  if  you  choose  to 
attack  my  ship,  of  course  it  may  be  your  right  so  to  do ; 
therefore,  the  alternative  rests  with  you,  not  with  me, 
certainly.  So,  my  dear  lieutenant,  if  you  desire  to  chal- 
lenge me  to  combat,  if  that  is  what  all  this  talk  amounts 
to,  I  have  only  this  to  say  :  I  accept  the  challenge  and 
throw  down  the  gauntlet,  and  in  your  own  words, 
'  choose  which  you  will  accept,'  Yet  understand  me  in 
this,  attack  if  you  will,  but  at  your  peril  I  I've  no  desire 
to  shed  blood.  At  the  same  time,  to  shield  this  young 
man  who  has  thrown  himself  on  my  protection,  I  shall 
not,  if  forced  so  to  do,  hesitate  in  taking  summary  meas- 
ures to  that  end.  Therefore,  I  again  say,  take  the  risk 
of  attacking  this  ship  at  your  peril  I  " 

The  commander  of  the  revenue  cutter,  finding  nothing 
could  be  gained  by  further  parley,  returned  to  his  vessel. 
A  few  moments  later  the  drum  was  heard  beating  to 
quarters,  the  gunners  meanwhile  stationing  themselves 
at  their  respective  posts.  The  guns  were  double  shotted, 
then  swung  round,  and  the  starboard  battery  was  brought 
to  bear  full  against  the  supposed  unarmed  merchantman. 
Yet  never  was  an  opponent  more  thoroughly  deceived, 
as  he  soon  found  to  his  cost. 

At  this  juncture,  the  lieutenant  commanding  the  Gov- 
ernment vessel,  being  a  good-hearted,  well-disposed  man, 
who  had  no  desire  to  injure  the  JBlack  Eagle  or  her 


THE  COMBAT.  187 

people,  hesitated  a  few  moments  before  giving  the  order 
to  open  fire,  thinking  Captain  Perkins  in  the  meantime 
might  come  to  his  senses  and  deliver  the  culprit  into  his 
hands  without  loss  of  life  or  damage  to  the  vessel.  Then 
weary  of  longer  waiting,  he  ordered  the  gunners  to 
deliver  their  fire,  which  upon  being  done,  a  deafening 
report  followed,  but  with  a  contrary  effect  to  that  calcu- 
lated upon  by  the  people  of  the  cutter.  The  heavy  solid 
shot  from  these  guns  struck  the  hull  of  the  armored 
ship,  flying  in  all  directions,  dropping  without  doing  the 
least  damage  into  the  sea. 

Supposing  the  ship  against  which  they  had  launched 
the  thunderbolts  of  destruction  simply  an  unarmed 
merchant  vessel,  whose  wooden  hull  naturally  would 
present  but  little  obstacle  to  the  solid  shot  from  their 
heavy  guns,  they  could  scarcely  credit  their  senses  when 
they  saw  the  shot  glancing  from  her  sides.  But  a  still 
greater  surprise  awaited  the  crew  of  the  ill-fated  steamer, 
when  the  concealed  ports  of  the  Black  Eagle  flew  open 
as  by  magic,  the  guns  hastily  run  out  and  a  seething 
mass  of  fire,  smoke  and  flame  burst  forth,  shot  from  half 
a  score  of  guns,  crashing,  tearing,  rending  the  cutter  as 
if  her  walls  were  but  paper,  causing  consternation, 
mingled  with  fear  and  dread,  to  all  on  board. 

Wearing  slowly  round,  the  starboard  battery  was 
brought  into  action,  each  gun  hurling  its  death-dealing 
missiles  crashing  through  the  sides  and  over  the  deck  of 
the  doomed  ships.  A  solid  shot  piercing  the  boilers,  an 
explosion  resulted,  rending  into  fragments  the  powerful 
steamer. 

Never  before  was  a  like  scene  witnessed  by  Captain 
Perkins  or  those  on  board.  As  the  hull  lifted  high  in 
air,  rising  above  and  through  the  dense  clouds  of  smoke 
and  steam,  broken  timbers  and  parts  of  the  heavy 
machinery  were  seen,  accompanied  in  their  upward  flight 
by  the  half-burned,  scalded  bodies  of  the  crew ;  and 
when  the  dense  mass  of  clouds  rising,  brought  the  scene 
to  view,  nothing  remained  of  the  once  proud  ship  and 
her  brave  crew  save  a  few  floating  timbers,  fragments  of 


188  THE  COMBAT. 

broken  masts,  pieces  of  tlie  shattered  hull,  and  a  number 
of  blackened  and  charred  bodies  of  the  ill-fated  occu- 
pants, whose  commander  had  so  recently  challenged  the 
Black  Eayle  to  combat,  unequal  as  supposed  and  as  was 
proved,  though  not  in  the  manner  anticipated.  The  arm- 
ored sides  of  the  cruiser  so  artfully  concealed,  the  arm- 
ament hidden,  the  revenue  cutter  people  little  suspected 
the  volcano  they  had  set  in  motion,  or  the  powerful  guns 
concealed  there  till  too  late.  And  a  sad  mistake  it 
proved,  for  not  one  was  left,  not  one  spared  of  that  body 
of  courageous  seamen,  marines  and  officers,  acting  under 
authority  of  their  own  government,  anticipating  but 
little  show  of  resistance  from  an  antagonist  of  such  peace- 
ful aspect,  but  who  in  reality  possessed  such  an  immense 
power. 

A  boat  was  now  hastily  manned,  putting  off  from  the 
Black  Eagle,  seeking  to  save  any  who  might  be  discov- 
ered floating  about  the  wreck.  But  not  one  was  found 
living,  nor  scarcely  a  vestige  of  the  proud  ship  so  lately 
flaunting  the  Stars  and  Stripes — the  emblem  of  her 
nation's  power  and  glory — in  the  face  of  a  seemingly 
helpless  antagonist. 

The  fatal  results  attending  the  combat  were  as  little 
anticipated  by  Captain  Perkins  as  by  the  commander  of 
the  Government  vessel,  as  while  only  desirous  of  teach- 
ing them  a  lesson  to  not  again  ruthlessly  attack  a  vessel 
of  which  they  had  no  previous  knowledge  as  to  her 
character  and  power,  he  had  not  counted  on  dealing  with 
his  antagonist  in  this  summary  manner.  In  fact,  Captain 
Perkins  had  little  idea  of  the  terrific  effect  of  his  own 
guns,  else  he  would  have  hesitated  before  directing  them 
in  full  force  against  a  foe  so  greatly  his  inferior.  In 
almost  every  respect,  he  therefore,  as  a  result  of  this 
short  but  sanguinary  battle,  considered  his  vessel  nearly 
invulnerable,  when  taking  into  account  her  steel-armored, 
ball-proof  sides,  powerful  armament  and  brave,thoroughly 
loyal,  intelligent  crew.  It  was  then  but  natural  that  he 
should  regret  an  occurrence  having  so  fatal  a  termination, 
yet  he  consoled  himself  by  the  reflection  that  "  all  is  fair 


THE   SEALED   DISPATCHES  AND   THEIR   FATE.       189 

in  love  and  war,"  more  especially  the  latter ;  his  friend, 
whom  the  revenue  cutter's  people  were  so  anxious  to 
make  their  victim,  doubtless  concurring  in  the  sentiment. 

"Ya,  yal"  Massa  Captain,  "Yo'  don'  gib  dem  revenue 
cutta  foks  da  wakin'  papas  mity  sudden.  Fo'  de  Lawd, 
da'  gwyne  ter  kindom  cum  so  fas'  dey  nebba  travel  befor.' 
Guess  da'  no  trubble  ship',  clerk,  no  mo'  fo'  sum  time. 
Ya,  ya !  But,  Massa  Captain,  how  da'  fly  in  de  air ! 
"Wonda  wot  da'  tink  'bout  de  Brack  Ewjle^  tink  we  no 
fools  fo'  suah.     De  deffil  got  'em  sho  nuff,  by  dis  time." 

Caesar,  Captain  Perkins'  black  cook,  was  a  character, 
and  an  especial  favorite,  not  only  with  the  officers,  but 
all  on  board ;  as  he  was  unusally  good  hearted,  and  like 
the  most  of  the  negro  race,  good  natured,  lively  and  full 
of  fun.  He  was  at  the  same  time  an  excellent  cook, 
understanding  its  mysteries  to  perfection,  having  been 
trained  in  the  family  of  a  wealthy   Southern  gentleman. 

Accompanying  the  son  of  his  master  to  New  York, 
who,  a  successful  applicant  for  the  position  of  marine, 
had  taken  him  on  board  the  Black  Eagle,  so  highly  rec- 
ommending him  to  the  captain  that  he  had  been  at 
once  taken  into  his  employ  as  chief  cook  ;  and  Captain 
Perkins  never  had  occasion  to  regret  the  choice,  as  after 
events  will  show. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

THE   SEALED   DISPATCHES  AND  THEIR  FATE. 

TWO  weeks  have  now  passed.  The  Black  Eagle  mak- 
ing good  progress,  the  weather  being  all  that  could 
be  desired,  the  wind  steady,  the  affairs  of  the  ship  going  on 
smoothly,  nothing  seemed  wanting  in  the  way  of  a 
prosperous  voyage. 

The  seamen,  meanwhile,  had  become  thoroughly  ac- 
customed to  their  duties,  the  marines  were  daily  drilled 
to  the  use  of  email   arms,  the   artillerymen  learned  to 


190       THE   SEALED   DISPATCHES   AND   THEIR   FATE. 

handle  the  heavy  ordinance  with  ease  and  dispatch,  so 
that  when  the  time  should  arrive  and  opportunity  occur 
to  put  their  skill  into  practice,  nothing  would  be  found 
wanting.  Captain  Perkins  estimated,  and  with  good 
reason,  that  to  feel  proud  of  his  ship  and  confident  in  her 
people  was  an  undoubted  right,  and  one  also  that  could 
not  well  be  disputed. 

The  ship  was  now  nearing  the  latitude,  when  the  seals 
of  the  dispatches  were  to  be  broken,  thus  it  may  be 
easily  conceived  that  considerable  anxiety  would  be 
naturally  felt  by  both  officers  and  men  regarding  their 
destination.  So  one  fine  morning,  breakfast  over,  the 
temperature  gradually  rising  from  day  to  day  as  tbey  ap- 
proached the  tropical  regions,  the  captain  sent  orders  for 
the  officers  to  meet  in  the  cabin,  and  when  all  were  as- 
sembled, addressed  them,  saying : 

"  Gentlemen,  "we  have  now  reached  the  point  designat- 
ed in  the  sealed  dispatches,  where  we  are  to  be  in- 
formed in  regard  to  the  object  of  this  cruiser  and  our 
destination,  concerning  both  of  which  I  am  as  much  in 
the  dark  as  you,"  Then  breaking  the  seals  and  unrolling 
the  all-important  document,  he  read  the  following: 

"To  Captain  Jonathan  Perkins: 

^^  Sir — I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you,  that  the  ship 
Black  Eagle^  heretofore  in  your  charge  and  so  ably  com- 
manded, is  a  Confederate  cruiser,  her  object  that  of  cap- 
turing merchant  vessels  or  others  sailing  under  the 
Union  flag ;  in  short,  to  destroy  and  in  every  possible 
manner  cripple  the  naval  armament  of  our  enemies. 

"Having  thus  stated  plainly  our  object,  you  will,  with- 
out hesitation  or  the  least  delay,  proceed  to  place  the 
Black  Eagle  in  readiness  for  such  service," 

Dashing  the  obnoxious  document  to  the  floor,  then 
stamping  on  and  tearing  it  into  fragments,  his  counte- 
nance, meanwhile,  plainly  showing  the  anger  burning 
within  him,  Captain  Perkins  turned  to  the  first  mate, 
shouting  in  no  uncertoin  tones,  "About  ship  I  We  go  no 
further  on  this  damnable  business." 


THE   SEALED   DISPATCHES   AND   THEIR   FATE.       191 

At  this  instant,  the  door  of  an  adjoining  stateroom, 
hitherto  sealed,  was  thrown  violently  open,  a  young 
man,  in  dashing  Confederate  naval  uniform,  strode  out, 
evidently  laboring  under  great  excitement,  and  addressed 
Captain  Parkins  in  unmistakable  language. 

"Sir,  why  do  you  thus  rutlalessly  trample  on  and  des- 
troy those  dispatches  which,  not  only  placed  in  your 
charge,  but  addressed  to  yourself  in  person,  might  at  the 
least  have  been  spared  this  indignity,  especially  when 
confided  to  you  in  good  faith.  What  mean  yoa,  sir,  in  thus 
defying  my  orders?  Are  not  you  aware  that  I  am  your 
superior  officer,  the  sole  legitimate  owner  and  executive 
commander  of  a  ship  of  war,  constructed  under  my 
personal  supervision  and  direction,  manned,  armed  and 
equipped  by  my  orders?  And  I  would  still  farther  have 
you  to  know  I  am  in  the  service  of  the  Confeder- 
ate States  of  America,  and  that  I  alone  have  borne  the 
entire  expense  attending  the  building,  outfit,  and  all 
things  pertaining  to  the  ship,  in  proof  of  which,  here  is 
my  commission  authorizing  me  to  prey  on  the  Federal 
Navy,  whether  of  merchant  or  other  vessel  sailing 
under  the  hated  Stars  and  Stripes. 

"  Do  you,  sir,  make  objection  to  serve  in  this  or  any 
other  manner  a  cause  both  just  and  right?  "  continued 
the  Confederate  commander,  as  standing  before  the 
captain  in  full  glow  of  youthful  manhood,  his  eyes 
blazing  with  excitement,  he  seemed  scarcely  able  to 
control  his  emotions. 

He  was  a  man  not  more  than  thirty  years  of  age  ;  in 
person  of  medium  height,  genteel  bearing,  and  with  a 
countenance  pleasing,  yet  indicative  of  great  courage 
and  commanding  ability,  combined  with  high  intellect- 
ual capacity.  Thus  he  could  scarcely  fail  to  produce  on 
the  mind  of  his  hearer  a  most  favorable  impression,  even 
though  the  captain  condemned  a  cause  this  man  would, 
without  the  shadow  of  doubt  be  the  means  of  so  greatly 
assisting. 

*'  I  do,  sir,"  replied  the  now  thoroughly  aroused  cap- 
tain.    "  Think  you  I  am  dastard  enough  to  renounce  in 


192       THE   SEALED   DISPATCHES   AND   THEIR   FATE. 

tliis  mauner,  allegiance  to  my  country  and  my  naiion's 
flag,  accepting  favors  from  her  enemies ;  thus  to  destroy 
her  navy  and  merchant  fleets,  sailing  under  the  protec- 
tion of  its  broad  folds  on  the  high  seas  free  to  all?  No, 
sir,  understand  me  in  this :  I  am  a  Union  man,  loyal  to 
the  core,  having  not  one  particle  of  sympathy  with  a 
government  founded  on  fraud  and  misrepresentation, 

"I  have  served  you  faithfully  and  to  the  best  of  my 
ability  in  working  the  Black  Eagle  thus  far  on  her  way; 
and  my  only  regret  now  is  that  I  should  have  been 
the  innocent  contributor  in  assisting  your  infamous 
schemes  and  the  enemies  of  my  country  in  their  wicked 
unhallowed  designs.  Accept  my  immediate  resignation, 
sir,  of  this  or  any  other  post  coming  within  your  juris- 
diction. Understanding  as  I  do  that  I  am  in  your 
power,  I  ask  no  favors  at  your  hands." 

Turning  to  the  first  mate,  the  new  commander  said. 
'*  Keep  the  ship  on  her  v/ay."  Then  to  the  captain  of 
marines,  "  Put  this  man  in  irons."  Then  addressing  the 
officers  of  the  ship  standing  round,  all  of  whom  were 
naturally  surprised  at  this  sudden  and  wholly  unlooked 
for  change  of  aflairs,  "  Are  there  others  present  who  de- 
sire to  follow  the  lead  of  the  hrave  captain?  If  so, 
please  let  it  be  known  at  once." 

Ujion  hearing  these  words  spoken  sarcastically  by  the 
commanding  officer,  the  ship's  clerk  ranged  himself 
alongside  Captain  Perkins,  followed  by  the  captain's 
cook,  Csesar,  who  said  : 

"  Me  nebba  leav'  Massa  Captin." 

"  Confine  these  two  men  in  their  quarters,  and  send 
this  black  devil  to  the  hold,"  shouted  the  commander. 
"  We  will  soon  see  who  is  master  here.  Every  man  1 
suppose  has  aright  to  his  own  opinion,  but,  damn  me, 
if  I  can  quite  make  it  out  why  so  sensible  a  man  and 
competent  an  officer  should  turn  his  back  on  so  fine  a 
position,  as  he  has  held  on  board  this  ship  for  the  sake 
of  a  small  matter  of  opinion.  As  to  this  fellow  Baxter, 
the  ship's  clerk,  it  won't  be  much  trouble  to  fill  his  place, 
though  I  believe  I'd  rather  lose  both  these  men    than 


THE   SEALED   DISPATCHES   AND  THEIR   FATE.       193 

Cgesar,  for  he  is  a  thoroughly  good  cook.  Perhaps, 
however,  a  little  persuasion,  with  the  promise  of  extra 
pay,  or,  in  the  event  of  that  failing,  a  judicious  use  of 
the  'cat '  will  bring  him  round  all  right ;  the  latter  we 
will  not  resort  to,  unless  in  extremity." 

The  young  naval  officer,  who  has  thus  so  unexpectedly 
appeared  in  the  midst  of  the  officers  of  the  Black  Eagle 
summoned  by  Captain  Perkins,  to  listen  to  the  reading 
of  the  sealed  dispatches,  and  about  Avhich  all  felt  so 
deep  an  interest,  is  none  other  than  the  "  old  man,"  who 
in  disguise  had  supervised  the  building  of  the  Black 
Eagle,  from  the  time  the  keel  was  laid  until  fully  com- 
pleted, then  totally  disappearing  until  he  appeared  now 
on  board  taking  command. 

It  was  he  also  who  forwarded  the  dispatch  soliciting 
the  aid  of  Captain  Perkins  in  securing  the  crew  and 
marines,  also  the  outfit,  armament  and  stores,  and  lastly, 
it  was  tliis  same  old  man  who  had  sent  the  captain 
those  sealed  dispatches,  causing  the  present  commo- 
tion, and  change  of  the  ship's  affairs,  and  who,  in  the 
person  of  this  elegantly  attired  naval  officer,  is  none 
other  than  Sir  Eldred  Eomayne,  a  nobleman  of  immense 
wealth,  residing  in  the  north  of  England,  who  had  from 
the  first,  espoused  the  cause  of  the  South  in  the  secces- 
sion  movement.  Upon  the  murmurings  of  the  gentle 
breeze  so  soon  to  gather  its  forces  in  a  swiftly  rushing, 
overpowering  tempest,  rending  a  nation  in  fragments,  he 
had  left  his  delightful  home,  crossed  the  ocean  and 
traveled  through  the  states  of  the  South,  seeking  infor- 
matiou  as  to  the  real  motives  underlying  the  uprising  of 
a  nation,  the  faint  mutterings  of  whose  thunder  had 
been  borne  over  the  sea,  heard  and  listened  to  in  every 
remote  hamlet,  town  and  city  in  the  whole  length  and 
breadth  of  the  Old  World.  Then  having,  as  he  hon- 
estly believed,  acquired  sufficient  information  of  a  char- 
acter warranting  him  in  taking  a  course  in  opposition  to 
the  enemies  of  his  chosen  section,  he  had  been  at  an  im- 
mense outlay  in  the  construction  of  the  Black  Eagle. 
Afterward  placing  her  at  the  disposal  of  the  Confederate 
12 


194       THE  SEALED   DISPATCHES  AND   THEIR  FATE. 

Government,  lie  received  a  commission  empowering 
him  to  capture,  destroy,  and  by  every  known  method, 
lying  in  his  power,  wage  warfare  on  all  Union  vessels, 
comprising  her  navy,  whether  of  armed  or  merchant 
marine. 

The  owner  of  vast  inherited  estates,  from  which  he 
derived  a  large  income  ;  with  no  social  ties  or  family 
binding  him  to  any  settled  course  of  action,  as  he  was  a 
bachelor,  the  opportunity  presenting,  he  resolved  to 
gratify  a  natural  love  of  adventure  by  active  participa- 
tion in  the  stiring  scenes  of  naval  warfare.  More  es- 
pecially as  home  and  its  peaceful  surroundings  had  be- 
come monotonous  if  not  actually  tiresome,  to  one  now 
in  the  very  prime  of  life,  he  longed  for  something,  he 
could  hardly  have  told  what,  to  relieve  his  energetic 
mind  from  the  everyday  affairs  of  a  quiet  life,  and  as 
the  opportunity  now  presented,  he  resolved  to  avail  him- 
self of  its  privileges. 

The  ship  again  on  her  course.  Sir  Edward  ordered  his 
first  officer  to  summon  all  hands  on  deck,  then  going  up 
himself,  took  a  station  directly  in  front  of  the  line  and 
thus  addressed  them  : 

"Lads,  as  I  have  just  informed  your  officers,  this  ship 
of  war  is  in  the  service  of  the  government  of  the  Con- 
federate States  of  America.  You,  as  I  understand  and 
as  I  desired,  were  recruited  from  Southern  sea-ports, 
naturally  therefore,  are  in  sympathy  with  the  Southern 
people.  This  if  true  is  as  I  could  wish.  I  hold  in  my 
hand  a  commission,  signed,  by  the  president  of  the 
seceding  states,  also  by  the  secretary  of  the  navy,  auth- 
orizing me  to  take  supreme  control  and  command  of 
this  vessel,  to  go  where  I  please  and  cruise  where  I  may, 
its  object  to  destroy  the  Federal  Navy  wherever  found, 
and  in  whatever  seas.  Now,at  the  outset,  let's  have  a  fair 
understanding. 

Each  and  all  of  you,  while  receiving  good  pay,  larger 
probably  than  is  usual  to  the  service,  will  be  entitled  to 
an  equitable  share  of  prize  money  of  all  captured  vessels, 
the  several  amounts  to  be  divided  pro-rata  according  to 


THE   SEALED   DISPATCHES   AND   THEIR    FATE.       195 

rank.  Also  understand  rae  in  this  :  while  jour  income 
from  wages  and  prize  money  in  the  aggregate  will  be 
large,  the  labor  attending  will  be  equally  so  ;  in  other 
words  your  money  will  be  honestly  earned,  as  I  shall 
expect  every  man,  in  whatsoever  position,  to  do  his  duty 
faithfully,  manfully,  at  all  times  acting  the  part  of  a 
gentleman.  Are  there  any  among  your  number  who 
decline  the  service?     If  so,  please  step  forward. 

"  As  there  seemed  to  be  no  others  desirous  of  changing 
their  condition,"  all  having  kept  position  in  line.  Sir 
Edward  continued,  "You  will  now  each  one  take  the 
oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Confederate  Government,"  which 
being  administered,  to  the  first  mate  he  said,  "  I  hereby 
appoint  you  as  sailing  master  of  the  Black  Eagle^  in 
place  of  Captain  Jonathan  Perkins ;  who,  by  his  own  act 
has  vacated  the  position.  James  Edwards,  I  hereby  ad- 
vance you  to  the  rank  of  first  mate.  Do  you  accept  the 
appointment  ?  " 

"Aye,  aye,  sir,  and  many  thanks  to  you," 
"  Very  well,  sir.  Do  your  duty — that  is  all  I  ask." 
The  lower  officers  being  now  advanced  a  grade,  the 
marine  corps  were  ordered  on  deck,  headed  by  their 
commander,  to  whom  Sir  Edward  said,  "  Do  you  each  and 
all  swear  allegiance,  to  the  President  and  Government  of 
the  Confederate  States  of  America  ?  " 

All,  without  hesitation  answering  in  the  affirmative, 
the  executive  commander  continued,  saying ;  "  My 
friends,  the  service  in  which  you  are  enlisted  and  about 
to  engage,  and  to  which  you  have  sworn  fealty,  is  one 
requiring  courage,  endurance,  and  above  all,  loyalty  to 
your  government  and  perfect  obedience  to  your 
superiors.  Your  duty  is  not  only  to  protect  your 
ship,  but  also  to  wage  war  on  the  enemies  of  your 
country,  and  government,  seeking,  by  every  honorable 
means  known  to  modern  warfare,  to  crush,  and  subjugate 
them.  I  say  honorable  means  as  we  are  in  no  sense  of 
the  word  pirates,  only  waging  a  warfare  legalized  by  all 
civilized  nations.  Are  you  all  agreed  in  this?  " 
"  We  are,  sir,"  was  the  hearty  response. 


196        THE   SEALED    DISPATCHES   AND   THEIR   FATE. 

Unrolliug  a  flag  bearing  the  insignia  of  the  govern- 
ment so  newly  established,  the  gallant  commander 
placed  it  in  the  hands  of  the  sailing  master  wlio  spread 
its  folds  to  the  breeze,  then  he  removed  another  from  its 
leather  case  consisting  of  a  white  ground,  in  the  centre 
the  figure  of  a  black  eagle  with  wings  outstreached  in 
readiness  to  strike  its  prey.  This  was  ordered  sent  to 
the  mast  head. 

As  all  things  on  board  ship  were  now  adjusted  to  his 
satisfaction,  Sir  Eldred  took  occasion  to  call  upon  the 
two  malcontents,  whom  he  found,  not  as  he  expected, 
cast  down  and  depressed,  but  cheerful  and  evidently  re- 
signed to  whatever  fate  might  be  in  store  for  them. 

Kindly  addressing  them,  he  said  that  while  grieved,  at 
finding  it  necessary  to  take  this  summary  course,  he 
considered  it  not  only  justifiable  but  necessary  for  the 
welfare  of  both  the  cause  and  the  government  under 
whose  instructions  and  laws  he  acted ;  and  that  while  at 
all  times  desiring  to  act  honestly  and  justly,  he  must, 
when  occasion  so  required,  seemingly  take  harsh  meas- 
ures. At  the  same  time  he  desired  them  to  understand 
he  had  no  prejudice  or  ill  feeling  against  them  per- 
sonally. 

"Now,  gentlemen,"  he  continued,  "while you  remain 
on  board  this  vessel,  I  shall  see  to  it  that  all  things  nec- 
essary for  your  comfort  are  provided.  Yet  should  you 
continue  to  persist  in  your  present  course,  I  shall  be 
compelled  to  put  you  ashore  on  the  first  island  we 
chance  to  meet,  possibly  far  away  from  the  usual  track 
of  the  navigation  of  these  seas  ;  there  leaving  you  to  the 
uncertain  chance  of  rescue,  and  what  is  more,  the  probabil- 
ity of  a  permanent  habitation,  a  fate  certainly  not  to  be 
desired,  yet  one  of  which  you  are  the  sole  arbiter?  " 

"  Very  well,  sir,"  replied  the  undismayed  captain,  "on 
my  part,  I  accept  the  conditions.  Take  your  own  course, 
Sir  Eldred.  I  ask  no  favors  nor  plead  aught  in  extenua- 
tion of  the  course  T  have  chosen  to  pursue.  What  say 
you,  Herman  ?  " 

"  My  dear,  faithful,  loyal  friend,  who  have  at  all  times 


THE  SEALED   DISPATCHES   AND   THEIB   FATE.       197 

and  under  all  circumstances  so  nobly  stood  by  me,  risk- 
ing your  own  life  to  save  mine,  putting  yourself  in  posi- 
tions of  the  utmost  peril  that  I  might  escape  shame, 
ignominy  and  unmerited  death,  why  I  can  only  say  this, 
that  whatsoever  you  choose  to  do,  in  tliat  I  most  cheer- 
fully concur,  and  wheresoever  you  prefer  to  go,  I  faith- 
fully  follow.  I  can  truthfully  say  from  the  bottom  of 
my  heart  that  I  would  rather  be  cast  on  the  most  barren 
isle  of  the  sea  than  join  the  enemies  of  my  native  land 
in  their  unhallowed  schemes.  In  fact,  death  were  pref- 
erable." 

A  week  now  passed,  nothing  of  particular  note  occur- 
ring in  the  meantime,  until,  one  morning,  shortly  before 
sunrise,  the  lookout,  from  the  mast  head,  shouted,  *'  Land 
ho!" 

"  Where  away  ?  "  asked  the  ofl&cer  in  charge. 
"  Two  points  off  the  larboard  bow,  sir." 
"  What  does  it  look  like  ?  " 

"  It  has  the  appearance,  sir,  of  an  island.  I  can  see  the 
top  of  hills,  in  the  distance,  though  it  is  too  faraway  as 
yet  to  distinguish  objects  clearly." 

Commander  Romayne  was  now  called  to  the  deck, 
when,  after  taking  a  hasty  observation,  he  ordered  the 
ship's  course  altered,  steering  direct  for  the  land,  where, 
after  a  couple  of  hours'  rapid  progress,  anchor  was  drop- 
ped as  near  to  the  shore  as  was  deemed  safe. 

A  boat  was  now  lowered,  our  friends  put  on  board 
and  safely  conveyed  to  the  shore  of  what  appeared  a 
most  beautiful  "  gem  of  the  sea,"  where  as  voluntary 
exiles  they  were  to  be  left  far  away  "from  the  usual 
course  of  either  steamship  or  sailing  vessel,  the  faith- 
ful C£esar  following,  saying,  "Me  no  leab  Massa  Captin." 

The  boat  which  had  landed  the  exiles,  soon  returning, 
reported  to  Commander  Romayne  the  beautiful  appear- 
ence  and  pleasant  surroundings  of  the  island,  when  one 
of  the  largest  ship's  boats  was  ordered  loaded  with  sup- 
plies sufficient  to  last  for  not  less  than  a  couple  of  years  ; 
which  landed,  a  second  load  was  conveyed  to  the  shore, 
the  generous-hearted  commander   saying  he  desired  to 


198       THE  SEALED   DISPATCHES   AND   THEIR   FATE. 

provide  his  unwise  friends  with  the  necessaries  of  life, 
until  such  time  as  they  would  be  in  a  position  to  provide 
for  themselves. 

The  entire  ship's  company  now  appeared  on  deck  to 
witness  the  landing  of  their  old  captain,  the  ship's  clerk 
and  Cgesar,  all  of  them  having  formed  a  great  liking  for 
these  men. 

The  boat  now  returned  to  the  ship,  having  done  their 
errand  well,  for  they  had  landed  large  and  most  ample 
stores  consisting  of  provisions,  implements  both  of  hus- 
bandry and  warfare,  together  with  many  other  things 
tending  to  the  comfort  and  probable  prolonged  existence 
of  their  friends  on  these  distant  stores.  So  returning,  to 
the  great  ship,  the  order  was  given  to  weigh  anchor, 
sail  was  set,  and  they  were  soon  again  on  their  wa}'"  to 
destroy  both  the  vessels  and  lives  of  their  countrymen, 
simply  from  a  sectional  difference  of  opinion.  As  the 
towering  ship  sailed  away,  a  loud  and  hearty  cheer  burst 
spontaneously  from  every  man,  responded  to  by  a  faint 
hurrah  from  the  exiles  on  shore,  who  remained  at  the 
seaside,  their  ej^es  fastened  on  the  sails  of  the  fast 
fading  vessel  so  majestically  moving  on  her  way,  until 
the  last  vestige  of  her  topmast  sank  below  the  horizon. 
Then  sadly  turning  shoreward,  they  strode  a  little  way 
inland,  seeking  a  secure  place  to  shelter  their  priceless 
stores,  as  also  a  habitation  for  themselves,  both  of  which 
were  of  the  most  urgent  necessity,  as  they  were  now  to 
found  a  new  home,  take  up  a  new  life,  in  every  way  so 
different  from  anything  heretofore  experienced  under  cir- 
cumstances however  much  more  favorable  than  they  had 
any  reason  to  expect. 


ON  THE  ISLAND.  199 


CHAPTBK  XXX. 

ON  THE  ISLAND. 

AS  our  friends  retreated  inland  from  the  sea,  the 
beach  gently  rose  as  they  advanced,  while  enor- 
mous trees,  their  majestic  trunks  lifted  to  the  skies,  the 
wide  branching  arms  extending  on  either  side,  forming 
a  safe  protection  from  the  sun's  powerful  rajs  by  day  and 
the  heavy  dews  of  night,  greeted  tbem  on  their  way. 
As  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  a  landscape  of  most  beauti- 
ful aspect  was  presented,  while  great  masses  of  tropical 
foliage  clustered  thickly  round. 

Aquatic  fowl,  in  almost  every  variety,  swarmed  in 
immense  flocks  overhead  and  about,  evidently  in  great 
wonderment  at  this  intrusion  on  their  hitherto  undis- 
turbed rights,  while  monkeys  leaped  from  branch  to 
branch  of  the  great  forest  trees,  chattering  their  displeas- 
ure at  the  novel  spectacle  of  this  new,  magnified  person- 
ation of  theniselves. 

Caesar,  who  had  gone  ahead  of  his  companions,  now 
came  running  back,  exclaiming,  *'  Massa  Captain,  I  don 
fin,  splendid  place  fo  de  provision.  Dar  am  a  big  rock 
all  holler  under,  an  it  am  jest  de  nicest  place  you  ebber 
seed  to  keep  dem  in." 

Then  leading  the  way  to  "  the  big  rock,"  Caesar  cried, 
"  Heyar  it  am." 

It  proved  on  examination  a  sort  of  cavern,  hollowed 
under  a  projecting  ledge  of  massive  rock,  an  admirable 
place  under  which  to  shelter  their  stores,  which  they  at 
once  commenced  removing  from  the  beach  to  this  place 
of  security.  But  what  was  their  unbounded  delight  and 
measure  of  satisfaction,  upon  beholding  the  stores  of 
provisions,  arms,  ammunition,  carpenters'  and  gardening 
tools,  so  generousl}^  bestowed  upon  them  by  the  noble 
commander  of  the  Black  Eagle! 


200  ON    THE   ISLAND. 

Taking  an  inventory  there  was  disclosed  a  lage  cask 
of  salt  pork,  one  of  beef,  six  cliests  of  sea  biscuit,  a  large 
cask  of  sugar,  three  sacks  of  potatoes,  several  others  of 
both  wheat  and  corn  flour,  and  a  bag  of  salt,  besides  a 
number  of  bushels  of  different  kinds  of  grain. 

Among  the  list  of  arms  and  ammunition,  were  three 
new  muskets,  two  revolvers,  three  kegs  of  gun  powder, 
several  bags  of  shot  and  musket  balls,  two  heavy  axes,  a 
set  of  carpenters'  tools,  consisting  of  a  saw,  chisels  of  dif- 
ferent sizes,  and  augurs.  Taken  altogether  it  was  a  most 
splendid  outfit  for  these  poor  men,  who  were  now  to  rely 
upon  their  own  unaided  efforts  perhaps  never  again  to 
meet  or  set  eyes  on  any  civilized  human  being.  Upon 
removing  'the  stores,  a  most  welcome  and  unexpected 
addition  was  found,  no  less  than  a  sack  of  beans,  one  of 
peas  and  a  general  supply  of  garden  seeds,  the  latter 
especially  welcome.  It  might  be  deemed  out  of  place 
that  a  vessel  of  war,  and  one  acting  solely  in  that 
capacity,  should  have  been  encumbered  with  articles  of 
this  description  and  miscellaneous  character,  more  espe- 
cially designed  for  colonizing  purposes.  But  it  must  be 
understood  that  Captain  Perkins  was  a  more  than  usually 
thoughtful  and  painstaking  man,  and  when  provision- 
ing the  Black  Eagle,  he  had  taken  thought  of  these  lit- 
tle affairs,  not  for  a  moment  supposing  he  would  have 
use  for  them,  but  simply  as  a  matter  of  precaution  in 
case  of  an  emergency  arising  either  to  his  own  or  some 
other  ship's  company. 

The  captain  was  an  old  sailor  it  might  be  truthfully 
said,  brought  up  on  the  ocean,  and  in  his  many  voyages 
to  distant  lands  and  seas,  he  had  met  with  adventures, 
some  of  little  account,  others  of  the  greatest  importance, 
to  the  lives  of  marines. 

Thus  he  had  in  this  instance  departed  from  the  usual 
course  in  making  up  the  outfit  of  the  Black  Eayle,  plac- 
ing on  board  in  an  out-of-the-way  place,  the  various 
articles,  now  so  acceptable,  and  which,  in  their  present 
situation,  would  prove  of  more  real  value  than  tons  of 
silver  and   orold.     So,  when   about  to  take  leave  ofth© 


ON   THE   ISLAND,  201 

ship,  Captain  Perkins  had  called  the  atteutiou  of  com- 
mander Eomayne  to  this,  telling  him  where  the  articles 
were  stored,  so  that  when  the  boats  were  being  loaded, 
he  directed  them  placed  on  board,  remarking  :  "  It  is 
not  only  my  desire,  but  also  my  greatest  pleasure,  that 
everything  be  done  tending  in  anywise  to  both  your  pres- 
ent comfort  and  future  well-being." 

The  islanders  now  went  to  work  with  a  will,  their 
depressed  spirits  having  given  place  to  those  of  a  more 
cheering  nature.  With  good  courage  and  a  hopeful 
future,  they  commenced  removing  their  stores  to  the 
rocky  cavern  discovered  by  Caesar,  it  proving  ample 
in  size  and  quite  dry,  promising  all  that  could  be  desired, 
for  the  present  at  least,  tending  to  the  security  of  their 
stores,  to  them  of  priceless  value. 

Night  now,  suddenly  and  with  little  warning,  drop- 
ping upon  them,  as  is  of  common  occurrence  in  tropical 
latitudes,  darkness,  almost  immediately  following  the 
setting  of  the  sun,  they  spread  their  blankets  under  the 
large  forest  trees  and  lay  down  to  rest,  thankful  at  hav- 
ing escaped  the  Black  £'ar/?e'sdetestedservice,  and  grate- 
ful to  her  commander  for  the  thoughtful  care  displayed 
in  so  generously  providing  them  with  the  necessaries  of 
life,  not  only  for  the  present,  but  a  considerable  period  of 
time  in  the  future,  at  least  until  with  nature's  bountiful 
assistance  they  would  be  able  to  provide  for  themselves. 
The  waters  surrounding  them  abounded  in  fish  in 
unlimited  supplies,  while  sea  turtle  of  enormous  size  were 
abundant,  wild  fowl  also  were  seen  in  immense  flocks, 
flying  in  all  directions,  in  all  probability  never  before  dis- 
turbed, as  they  seemed  wholly  unsuspicious  as  to  the 
character  of  their  new  neighbors  so  abruptly  dropped  in 
their  midst. 

In  addition  to  these  various  means  of  subsistence,  when 
the  proper  season  should  arrive,  they  would  sow  the  seeds 
of  grain  and  vegetables,  corn,  beans,  wheat,  and  plant 
their  potatoes,  of  which  they  had  a  goodly  supply,  thus 
placing  themselves  above  want,  if  not  in  actual  com- 
fort. 


202  ON  THE  ISLAND. 

Thus  we  find  them  on  the  fourth  morning  of  their 
arrival  on  these  lonely  but  pleasant  shores.  The  late 
ship's  clerk  having  risen  quite  early,  not  wishing  to  dis- 
turb the  slumbers  of  his  sleeping  companions,  who,  from 
the  uuusual  fatigue  consequent  upon  getting  settled  in 
their  new  quarters,  were  lying  abed  rather  late,  had 
started  to  try  his  luck  fishing. 

Hastening  along  the  beach  for  nearly  a  mile,  he  came 
to  the  mouth  of  a  small  stream  where  it  entered  a  little 
cove.  Here,  halting,  he  dropped  his  line  in  the  still, 
deep  water,  and  a  half  hour  later  had  secured  a  large 
supply  of  fine  fish,  returning  at  breakfast  time,  to  find 
Csesar  turning  his  attention  to  preparing  the  morning 
meal,  first  dressing  the  fish,  which  when  cooked,  as  only 
the  skilled  black  could,  were  heartily  relished.  In 
addition,  a  cup  of  excellent  coffee  and  a  generous  supply 
of  ship  biscuits  furnished  a  breakfast  not  to  be  despised. 

The  meal  over,  Herman  accompanied  by  the  captain, 
started  out  to  bring  in  a  turtle  which  he  had  turned  over 
in  the  early  morning  :  it  proved  quite  a  heavy  load. 

The  hour  of  noon  having  arrived,  Csesar  with  his 
usual  skill,  prepared  an  excellent  dinner,  which  was  soon 
disposed  of,  as  seated  on  improvised  stools,  technically  so 
called,  really  blocks  of  wood,  the  meal  was  eaten  with 
great  relish,  as  from  out  door  life,  combined  with  severe 
labor,  they  had  taken  on  an  almost  insatiable  appetite. 

Ca3sar  was  now  busily  engaged  in  cleaning  away  the 
remains  of  the  meal,  the  captain  and  Herman  placidly 
smoked  their  pipes,  a  large  amount  of  satisfaction  beam- 
ing from  their  faces.  The  young  man  broke  the  silence 
by  saying: 

"Captain  Perkins,  we  have  been  on  the  island  nearly 
four  days.  What  say  you  to  making  a  tour  of  investiga- 
tion into  the  interior,  finding  what  our  domain  has  in 
store  for  us  ;  as  from  what  little  we  have  thus  far  seen,  it 
must  be  very  beautiful,  healthful  and  productive?  The 
soil  is  deep,  and  I  should  judge  rich,  the  climate  nearly 
peifect,  from  which  facts  I  think  we  will  have  little  diffi- 
culty in  providing  for  our  wants,  the  means  for  doing 


ON   THE   ISLAND,  203 

wliicli  a  kind  providence  lias  bountifully  placed  within  our 
reach  ;  and  were  we  not  so  far  from  our  native  land,  cut 
off'  from  all  intercourse  with  our  fellows,  I  am  sure  I 
should  be  quite  content  to  remain  here  for  life.  What 
say  you,  Captain  ?  " 

"Well,  ray  boy,"  said  he,  taking  a  fresh  whiff",  sending 
up  a  cloud  of  smoke  before  removing  the  pipe  from  his 
mouth,  "first,  this  is  good  tobacco  Sir  Edward  has  so 
generously  supplied  us  with,  and  for  which  he  has  my 
thanks.  Secondly,  I  quite  agree  with  you,  in  the  esti- 
mate you  place  on  the  beauty  and  fertility  of  our  island  ; 
its  pleasant,  I  might  well  say  charming  surroundings, 
the  perfection  of  its  climate  (though  its  temperature 
makes  a  fellow  sweat  like  the  dickens),  and  all  that. 
Yet  altogether  it  probably  could  not  be  much  improved, 
and  as  to  a  future  home,  I  think  you  may  rest  easy  on 
that  score.  It's  my  candid  opinion  that  we  are  booked 
on  these  shores  for  the  terra  of  our  natural  lives,  whether 
long  or  short,  because,  you  see,  we  are  far  out  of  the 
track  of  either  steam  craft  or  sailing  vessels,  whether 
merchantman  or  man  of  war,  and  unless  driven  from  her 
course  by  storm  of  wind  or  wave,  no  vessel  of  whatever 
character  will  ever  appear  to  gladden  our  eyes  or  cheer 
our  lonely  condition.  Neither  do  I  think  it  probable 
we  will  ever  again  set  eyes  on  any  human  being,  unless, 
perchance,  some  dark  skinned,  smoke  tanned,  heathen 
from  a  neighboring  island  put  in  an  appearance,  sneak- 
ing round  in  search  of  a  tender  missionary  to  roast,  of 
which  they  are  said  to  be  very  fond ;  in  which  event,  I 
would  prefer  to  stand  in  Ceesar's  shoes,  as  they  would 
not  be  likely  to  trouble  one  blacker  than  themselves. 
Then  again,  we  are  located  right  in  the  regions  of  cani- 
bal  savages,  but  as  none  have  as  yet  shown  themselves, 
nor  have  we  met  signs  of  any,  I  ara  in  hopes,  we  may 
not  have  occasion  to  waste  our  gunpowder  on  their 
blasted  hides.  Still,  judging  from  the  appearance  of  the 
wild  beasts  roaming  the  forest,  the  fowl  who  do  not 
seem  frightened  at  our  approach,  I  am  of  the  opinion, 
that  we  are  the  first  and  only  human  beings,  civilized  or 


204  ON  THE  ISLAND. 

savage,  who  have  ever  trod  these  shores.  But  of  this, 
one  thing  is  certain,  should  they  drop  down  upon  us 
with  evil  intent,  thinking  to  enjoy  a  feast  at  our  expense, 
we  will  give  them  a  warm  reception,  so  warm  indeed, 
they  will  need  very  little  fire  to  warm  u|)  the  next 
missionary.  But  speaking  of  a  trip  to  the  interior,  I 
am  quite  agreed  in  the  matter.  Suppose  we  start  to- 
morrow morning,  taking  provisions  for  two  days'  journey, 
as  I  am  sure  it  would  not  be  advisable  to  be  awa}'" 
longer,  as  our  stores  will  be  more  or  less  exposed  to 
the  depredation  of  wild  animals." 

This  affair  settled  to  their  mutual  satisfation,  Caesar 
was  instructed  to  prepare  food  sufficient  for  the  length  of 
time  proposed  by  the  captain,  thus  having  all  things  in 
readiness  for  departure  at  an  early  hour  on  the  following 
morning. 

At  daybreak,  all  were  astir,  breakfast  hastily  eaten, 
and  they  were  off  just  as  the  sun,  rising  out  of  the  sea, 
gave  them  welcome  and  the  promise  of  a  fine  day.  The 
captain  and  Herman  each  shouldered  a  musket,  in  addi- 
tion, Herman  carrying  an  axe,  the  captain  a  shovel, 
while  Caesar  brought  up  the  rear  with  the  provisions, 
blankets  and  cooking  utensils ;  thus  they  were  fully  pre- 
pared for  any  emergency. 

The  thought  had  been  previously  suggested  by  the 
captain,  in  which  Herman  concurred,  that  in  order  to  be 
as  saving  of  the  ammunition  as  possible,  as  in  all 
probability  they  would  not  be  able  to  replenish  their 
store,  to  refrain  from  firing  at  wild  beast  or  fowl  unless 
absolutely  necessary  for  safety,  or  to  provide  food  as 
needed.  Thus  they  might  not  have  occasion  to  use  their 
firearms  for  some  time  to  come,  unless  attacked,  in 
which  event  they  would  resort  to  their  weapons,  sparing 
neither  powder  or  shot. 

As  they  advanced,  each  step  taking  them  farther  into 
the  interior  of  the  unbroken,  unknown  lands,  new  beau- 
ties sprang  to  view  on  every  hand,  many  peculiarly 
interesting  to  the  cultivated  eye  of  the  young  student, 
who  was  far  more  capable  of  recognizing  nature's  charms 


ON   THE   ISLAND.  205 

and  gifts,  whatever  their  character  or  wherever  shown 
than  was  the  captain,  to  whom  the  shore,  whether  of 
hill,  dale  or  mountain's  height,  possessed  less  attractions 
than  the  rolling  billows  of  the  storm-tossed  ocean. 
Thus,  many  of  the  rare  and  novel  scenes,  coming  in 
sight,  which  to  Herman  were  of  unusual  interest,  were 
to  the  captain  of  little  account. 

Some  three  hours'  leisurely  travel  brought  them  to 
the  banks  of  a  small  inland  lake  from  whose  surface, 
upon  the  appearance  of  these  strange  visitors,  rose  thou- 
sands of  wild  fowl,  their  flapping  wings  and  harsh  cries 
filling  the  air.  The  lake,  while  not  of  large  size,  was  a 
most  beautiful  sheet  of  water,  surrounded  on  all  sides 
by  large  trees  whose  heavj^  foliage  shutting  out  the  sun's 
rays,  caused  it  to  look  dark,  its  depths  seemingly  fathom- 
less, while  the  shore  was  strewn  with  nearly  every 
sort  of  marine  shell  and  smoothly  worn  pebble,  with 
here  and  there  a  moss  grown  rock.  At  its  lower  end,  a 
stream  ran  clear  and  sparkling,  flowing  with  rapid  cur- 
rent to  the  sea 

Upon  reaching  the  bank  of  the  lake,  the  dark  waters 
looking  cool  and  refreshing,  Csesar,  who  had  trudged 
along  in  high  spirits  from  the  moment  of  starting,  could 
contain  himself  no  longer,  and  before  his  companions 
had  time  to  observe  what  he  was  about,  had  thrown  off" 
his  scanty  garments  and  plungec^  in,  sinking  out  of  sight, 
but  immediately  rising  to  the  surface  with  a  scared  look, 
crying  in  frightened  accents:  "  Ohl  for  de  Lawd,  Massa 
Captain,  somting  don  cotch  dis  nigga ! " 

Sure  enough,  for  upon  being  dragged  from  the  water, 
an  enormous  fish  (doubtless  under  the  impression  that 
the  gods  had  thus  placed  a  choice  morsel  at  its  disposal) 
was  found  hanging,  his  sharp  teeth  firmly  imbedded  in 
the  flesh  of  the  poor  darkey's  big  toe.  Upon  being 
released,  Csesar  danced  about  in  pain,  crying,  "  Golly ! 
dat  onmaunerly  fish,  don  suffer  fo'  go  to  abuse  dis  colored 
gem  man  dat  way." 

And  suffer  he  did,  for  true  to  his  word,  upon  the  prize 
being  secured,    some  generous   slices  were   carved    by 


206  ON   THE   ISLAND. 

Caesar  from  its  thick  flesh,  a  not  unwelcome  addition  to 
their  stores. 

The  heat  becoming  oppressive  at  this  hour  of  the  day, 
it  was  thought  advisable  to  remain,  under  the  shade  of 
the  large  trees  until  later  in  the  afternoon,  when  the 
breeze  from  the  sea,  now  rising,  should  have  tempered 
the  atmosphere,  making  travel  more  agreeable.  So  they 
halted  near  the  bank  of  the  lake,  Caesar  setting  to  work 
preparing  for  dinner,  the  "  onmannerly  "  fish,  which  was 
cooked  and  eaten  with  hearty  relish.  Thus  they 
remained  some  three  hours,  lying  on  the  grassy  shore, 
where  they  indulged  in  a  nap.  Afterwards  bathing 
their  faces  in  the  cool  waters,  they  shouldered  their 
weapons,  axe,  shovel,  cooking  utensils  and  blankets,  when 
they  resumed  their  journey. 

A  few  hours  later,  just  as  the  sun  was  sinking  behind 
a  distant  range  of  hills,  Ctesar,  who  had  gone  on  a  little 
in  advance  of  his  companions,  was  heard  shouting,  "  De 
sea!  De  sea!  C£esar  am  de  first  discoberer  ob  de  sea!  " 
And  little  wonder,  for,  through  the  openings  of  the  for- 
est, were  seen  its  open  waters,  nothing  obstructing  the 
view  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach.  So  hastening  on, 
they  soon  reached  its  bank.  Before  them  lay  the  broad 
expanse  of  ocean,  no  sail,  no  island  shore,  nothing  but  a 
wide  waste  of  waters,  the  boundary  of  their  little  domain. 

Here  they  went  into  camp  for  the  night.  While  on 
their  way,  at  a  late  hour  of  the  afternoon,  a  low  range 
of  hills  were  noticed  to  the  west,  evidently  some  miles 
distant.  The  ground  gradually  ascending  until  the  high- 
est elevation  was  reached,  they  presented  a  beautiful 
appearance  under  the  yellow  rays  of  the  setting  sun, 
their  sides  shaded  by  dense  forests,  while  here  and  there, 
the  tufted  crest  of  the  stately  palm  reared  its  loft}' 
head,  softly  outlined  against  the  gray  background,  of 
the  evening  sky.  Herman  could  scarcely  find  words  to 
express  his  delight  upon  beholding  a  scene  of  such  a 
magnificent  and  charming  nature.  That  these  hills,  were 
the  western  boundary  of  the  island.  Captain  Perkins  was 
quite  positive,  which  afterward  proved  to  be  the  case, 


ON   THE   ISLAND.  207 

Now  quite  tired  and  worn  from  the  long  days'  travel, 
tbey  lie  down,  nothing  above  but  the  bright  shining 
stars,  nothing  beneath  or  around  to  disturb  tlieir  slumber, 
no  sound  save  the  monotonous  beating  of  the  surf  on 
the  rocky  shore,  the  hum  of  winged  insect,  the  howl  of 
noctural  beast  seeking  his  prey,  or  the  shrill  cry  of  some 
lonely  bird  of  the  sea  high  overhead  on  its  passage  to 
distant  shores. 

Along  toward  morning  the  hour  when  sleep  holds 
the  senses  in  deepest  abeyance,  both  the  captain  and 
Herman  were  suddenly  awakened  by  terrific  cries  in  the 
voice  of  Caesar,  "  De  Gost !  de  Gost !  Help  Caesar  1  Fo' 
de  Lawd,  I'se  a  gone  nigga  dis  time  fo'  shua." 

Springing  to  their  feet,  grasping  their  muskets,  and 
hastening  to  the  spot  from  whence  the  noise  proceeded, 
they  found  Caesar  standing  a  little  way  off,  his  wooly 
hair  on  end,  nothing  to  be  seen  of  his  wide  open  eyes 
save  the  upturned  balls,  the  utmost  horror  depicted  on 
his  face,  while  a  few  rods  away  stood  an  enormous  beast, 
in  color  and  general  aspect  resembling  an  animal  which 
Caesar  had  slain  shortly  after  their  arrival  on  the  island. 
It  seemed  to  hesitate  whether  to  attack  or  retreat.  In 
fact  it  was  no  eas}'-  matter  to  decide  which  of  the  two 
was  the  most  frightened,  the  negro  or  the  huge  beast. 

Upon  explaining  the  affair  to  his  friends  at  the  close 
of  the  encounter,  it  seemed  that  being  awakened  from  a 
sound  sleep  and  seeing  the  animal  magnified  by  the  semi- 
darkness  and  gloom  of  the  early  morning,  Ceesar,  thor- 
oughly frightened,  imagined  the  ghost  of  the  previously 
slaughtered  beast  had  appeared  to  revenge  his  slaye». 
In  this  superstitious  belief — he  shouted  to  his  compan- 
ions to  save  him  from  the  ghostly  foe  whose  sharp  claws 
were  threatening  his  destruction,  when  at  once  bringing 
their  weapons  to  bear,  both  firing  at  the  instant,  the  poor 
animal  soon  lay  stretched  in  the  throes  of  death.  Caesar 
danced  about  in  great  glee,  shouting,  "  Ya!  Yal  Didn't 
I  tol'  yer  so !     To  friten  dis  po'  darkey  dat  way  !  " 

Like  many  another  of  his  race,  Cgesar's  courage  rose 
with  the  danger,  when  aecompanied  by  flesh  and  blood, 


208  ON  THE  ISLAND. 

but  when  assuming  a  ghostly  form,  he  was  quite  unequal 
to  the  occasion,  and  while  he  would  not  hesitate  to  place 
himself  in  perilous  positions  when  necessary  for  the 
preservation  of  either  himself  or  friends,  the  appearance 
of  the  supposed  ghost  was  too  much  for  his  nerves. 

Kecovering  his  disorganized  faculties,  he  lighted  a  fire 
from  the  dry  twigs  and  branches  scattered  thickly  about, 
when  soon  the  fragrant  steam  of  cofi'ee  asceuded  ;  the 
remainder  of  the  big  fish,  that  had  so  dexterously  lighted 
on  Csesar's  toe,  was  fried,  altogether  forming  a  good  and 
thoroughly  enjoyed  breakfast.  Soon  after  the  cook  set 
about  skinning  the  "onmannerly  ghost,"  the  captain  say- 
ing that  a  few  more  similar  conquests  would  furnish  them 
not  only  a.  good  supply  of  bedding,  but  also  clothing 
which  would  ere  long  be  much  needed,  as  their  present 
supply  limited  as  it  necessarily  must  he,  would  require 
replenishing. 

The  skin  was  soon  removed  and  rolled  up  in  a  bundle 
so  compact  as  to  be  easily  carried,  though  Caesar  said, 
"De  load  am  gettin'  radder  heavy,"  which  he  found  to 
his  cost  before  reaching  home,  as  each  step  on  the  way 
it  grew  more  burdensome. 

All  things  being  in  readiness,  the  order  was  given,  and 
they  were  off,  light  of  heart  and  fleet  of  foot,  for  they 
were  on  the  homeward  route  where  rest  awaited  them, 
at  least  for  a  short  time.  Still  activity  was  at  this  time 
a  prime  necessity,  as  we  shall  soon  learn. 

Captain  Perkins  was  desirous  of  taking  a  more  round- 
about way,  leading  toward  the  chain  of  distant  hills  to 
the  west,  that  the  boundaries  of  their  island  home  might 
be  determined  in  that  direction.  As  the  sun  had  now 
risen  in  a  clear  sky,  the  day  would  become  altogether 
too  warm,  for  rapid  travel,  so  they  hastened  on  until 
about  ten  o'clock,  when  they  halted  at  the  foot  of  the 
high  ground  which  rose  sharply  for  some  three  hundred 
feet,  while  a  narrow  valley  here  and  there  ojiened, 
through  which  could  be  seen  the  waters  of  the  sea  on 
the  farther  side.  So  following  one  of  these  depressions, 
ere  long  they  again  stood  on  the  shore  of  the  boundless 


ON   THE   ISLAND.  209 

ocean,  thus  establishing  the  fact,  as  the  captain  had  pre- 
dicted, of  this  being  the  boundary  of  that  side  of  the 
island. 

The  surface  of  the  level  ground  presented  a  rich,  park- 
like appearance,  the  grass  short,  in  color  a  brilliant  emer- 
ald, more  especially  when  but  little  shaded  by  the  heavy 
foliage  of  the  immense  forest.  The  trees  grew  in  clus- 
ters, openings  of  large  extent  lying  between  them. 

Here  they  found  cocoanut  trees  loaded  with  an  abund- 
ance of  fine  fruit ;  shrubs  and  tall  bushes  emitting  odors 
of  the  rarest  fragrance.  Again  resting  a  couple  of  hours, 
they  took  up  the  line  of  march,  arriving  at  head  quart- 
ers, just  at  sunset,  having  during  the  time  of  their 
absence  nearly  circumnavigated  the  boundaries  of  the 
island.  Upon  reaching  that  which  was  to  them  even 
more  than  home,  as  it  was  not  only  a  place  of  shelter, 
but  also  the  storehouse  where  were  accumulated  all  their 
earthly  possessions,  they  found  everything  as  they  had 
left  it,  having  previously  taken  the  precaution  of  barri- 
cading the  entrance  to  the  cave  in  anticipation  of  wild 
animals  which  might  chance  that  way. 

Darkness  and  night  soon  coming  upon  the  tired  travel- 
ers, they  slept  soundly,  not  awakening  until  long  after 
sunrise  on  the  following  morning,  when  Ceesar,  who  as 
usual  was  the  first  astir,  was  heard  shouting  in  excited 
tones,  "Massa  Captain,  cum  quick.  Golly!  But  look 
dar,"  which  he  did,  as  also  his  young  companion,  aye 
looked  long  and  earnestly,  witnessing  a  sight  that  brought 
tears  to  the  eyes  of  one  at  least.  For  away  on  the  dis- 
tant horizon,  rose  from  the  sea,  columns  of  dark  heavy 
smoke,  on  which  their  gaze  rested  until  the  last  vestige 
had  faded  from  view. 

"  Well,  Captain,  what  do  you  make  it  out?" 

"  Nothing  more  or  less  than  the  smoke  rising  from  the 
funnels  of  an  ocean  steamer  which  may  be,  and  doubt- 
less is,  more  than  a  hundred  miles  away.  These  signs 
of  ocean  life,  we  shall  often  see,  but  never  much  nearer 
than  the  one  just  passed,  for  are  you  aware,  we  are  not 
less  than  that  distance  from  the  direct  route  of  ships  and 
13 


210  ON  THE   ISLAND. 

the  smoke  from  tliat  vessel  was  probably  several  hundred 
feet  above  her  deck.  We  are  so  fur  distant  indeed  that 
the  highest  point  on  the  island  or  the  topmost  bough  of 
the  tallest  tree  would  not  be  visible  from  yon  steamer. 

"  Yes,  Commander  Sir  Eldred  Romayne  well  knew 
what  he  was  doing  in  selecting  this  as  our  home,  both 
present  and  future,  and  while  one  can  but  feel  grateful 
for  his  kindness  in  granting  us  so  many  favors,  yet  I 
would  have  been  better  pleased,  had  he  passed  us  over 
to  some  vessel  sailing  on  the  homeward  route.  How- 
ever I  am  not  going  to  complain  of  his  treatment  under 
the  circumstances,  as  he  well  understood  our  views 
regarding  secession  and  the  Confederacy  ;  well  knowing, 
too,  that  should  we  be  able  to  return,  our  every  effort 
would  tend  in  the  direction  of  its  downfall," 

"  And  as  self-interest  may  be  considered  as  a  peculiar 
characteristic  of  one's  nature  and  self-preservation  its 
first  law,  why  he  was  only  acting  the  one  and  carrying 
out  the  other,"  interposed  the  young  philosopher. 

"  So  on  the  whole,"  broke  in  the  captain,  "  we  should 
not  criticise  his  acts  too  severely.  Anyhow  as  there's 
no  help,  why,  we  must  make  the  best  of  it." 

"  Well,  Captain,"  said  Herman,  "  as  for  myself,  I  shall 
be  quite  content  and  equally  well  satisfied  if  no  vessel, 
ocean  steamer,  man  of  war  or  merchantman,  comes 
nearer  to  us  than  the  one  whose  smoke  we  have  just 
seen.     What  do  you  say  to  that,  my  friend  ?  " 

"  Well,  my  boy,  it's  certainly  not  heresy  to  talk  and 
feel  about  it  as  you  do,  and  I  don't  know  that  one  can 
blame  you  for  taking  this  view  of  the  case.  As  for 
myself,  I  am  pretty  well  content,  still  as  time  passes  on, 
this  life  now  so  pleasant  may  become  wearisome ;  we 
may  long  for  the  companionship  of  friends  and  our 
old  homes — and — well  1  suppose  we  must  make  a  virtue 
of  necessity,  and  should  it  be  the  will  of  Heaven,  in  con- 
junction with  Sir  Edward,  that  this  is  to  be  our  home  for 
all  time  to  come,  why  the  best  thing  to  do  will  be  to  become 
reconciled  to  our  fate,  thus  striving  to  make  our  lives 
pass  as  agreeably  as  possible.     Of  course  we  must  take 


ON   THE   ISLAND.  211 

into  account  the  difference  in  age  and  position.  While 
you  are  young,  I  am  getting  on  in  years,  not  old,  yet  at 
a  time  of  life  when,  the  home  circle,  possessed  of  its 
greatest  attractions,  has  peculiar  charms.  Then  again  I 
find  myself  worrying  about  my  darling  daughter,  who 
will  grieve  and  mourn  for  her  father,  and  when  the  time 
for  which  we  enlisted  on  this  cruise  is  ended  and  we  do 
not  appear,  she  will  imagine  she  is  left  almost  alone  in 
the  world.  But  let  us  drop  these  useless  repiuings  and 
imaginings,  these  thoughts  of  the  future,  and  think  more 
of  the  present ;  for  to  tell  the  truth,  we  have  any  amount 
of  hard  work  before  us. 

"  First  in  order,  is  a  warm  and  comfortable  house  for 
ourselves,  and  store  house  for  our  goods  and  chattels. 
Secondly,  to  clear,  and  prepare  an  acre,  at  least,  of  rich 
soil  in  which  to  plant  seeds  of  both  grain  and  vegetable 
before  the  rainy  season  sets  in.  Our  habitation  must  be 
made  strong,  as  the  terrific  hurricanes  and  tempests, 
which  often  sweep  over  both  the  sea  and  land  in  the 
tropics  are  relentless  in  fury,  overturning  the  large  forest 
trees  carrying  destruction  in  their  path.  Of  course  this 
is  not  always  the  case,  still  such  things  have  been  known 
to  occur,  and  it  is  best  to  be  prepared  for  all  emergen- 
cies. Our  house  must  also  be  made  water  proof,  for  the 
complete  protection  of  our  priceless  stores  of  both  pro- 
visions and  ammunition,  so  I  propose  that  we  set  about 
its  erection  at  once.  That  completed,  we  will  turn  our 
attention  to  our  extensive  farming  operations,  which  may 
possibly  be  attended  with  more  or  less  difficulty,  as 
neither  of  us  have  had  much  experience  in  that  line. 
At  all  events  a  large  amount  of  labor  will  be  required, 
and  we  have  only  about  two  months  of  fine  weather 
before  us,  little  time  enough,  I'll  assure  you,  to  get 
through  the  work." 

To  all  of  these  suggestions,  Herman  assented,  as  he 
invariably  did  to  any  propositions  the  captain  saw  fit  to 
make,  having  the  most  perfect  faith  in  his  friend's  good 
judgment.  So  in  the  afternoon,  they  went  out  to  the 
forest,  selecting  trees  of  a  suitable  size  for   logs   that 


212  ON   THE   ISLAND. 

could  be  readily  handled  and  easily  transported  to  the 
site  agreed  upon  for  the  house.  This  done,  they  returned 
and  on  the  following  morning  shouldered  their  axes  and 
commenced  operations. 

The  trees  selected  were  about  one  foot  in  diameter ; 
some  were  cut  twenty  feet  in  length,  others  twelve,  so 
that  when  put  in  place  their  building  would  be  twenty 
feet  long  by  twelve  wide.  Next  came  the  transporta- 
tion which  was  readily  effected  by  using  saplings  a  few 
inches  in  thickness  to  serve  as  rollers.  These,  by  the 
help  of  levers,  were  used  with  good  success,  so  that 
after  some  four  days'  labor,  the  logs  were  on  the  ground 
in  readiness  to  be  raised  and  put  in  place  for  the  walls 
on  the  site  selected  for  the  cabin,  which  was  on  ground 
a  little  above  the  general  level.  Beginning  the  work, 
they  first  cut  a  notch  at  each  end  of  the  log,  then  plac- 
ing one  above  the  other,  the  building  was  speedily 
erected,  its  height  seven  feet. 

For  the  roof,  logs  were  split  lengthwise  in  thin  slabs, 
which  being  overlapped  were  thus  made  tight,  imper- 
vious to  the  water  which  would  run  readily  to  the 
ground.  The  floor  was  also  laid  with  the  same  material, 
also  the  doors,  and  as  they  had  no  glass  (the  dealers  in 
that  article  having  none  on  hand)  they  constructed  heavy 
shutters,  fastened  on  the  inside  by  stout  oaken  bars,  so 
that,  in  case  of  attack  from  either  wild  beast  or  savage, 
their  snug  quarters  could  be  quite  well  secured. 

In  the  many  voyages  of  Captain  Perkins  to  the  various 
portions  of  the  world,  accompanied  as  they  must  inevi- 
tably be  by  so  many  vicisitudes,  he  well  understood  that 
it  would  scarcely  do  to  rely  wholly  upon  appearances, 
and  though  thus  far,  they  had  discovered  nothing  war- 
ranting them  in  the  belief  that  the  natives  of  other 
islands  had  ever  visited  these  shores,  yet  the  time  might 
come  when  these  precautions  would  not  be  amis?,  as  the 
savages,  inhabiting  this  part  of  the  world,  were  known 
to  be  naturally  shrewd  and  wary.  Therefore  he  said, 
"  Herman,  we  will  at  the  outset  take  all  needful  measures 
for  our  future  safety." 


ON  THE   ISLAND.  218 

This  work,  occupying  them  for  some  two  weeks,  was 
fouud  quite  laborious,  neither  being  accustomed  to  man- 
ual labor,  so  their  hands  were  blistered,  faces  sunburned 
and  tanned,  giving  them  the  appearance  of  genuine 
natives.  But  for  this  they  cared  little,  enjoying  as  they 
did  the  most  perfect  health,  combined  with  appetites 
which  kept  Caesar  on  the  alert  to  satisfy.  Yet  he  was 
equal  to  the  task.  For  what  with  the  large  and  savory 
turtles,  now  and  then  a  fat  duck  or  geese,  brought  down 
by  a  well  directed  shot  from  his  musket,  they  fared 
"sumptously  every  day,"  without  seriously  encroaching 
on  their  stores. 

Thus,  as  said  Captain  Perkins,  doubtless  with  much 
truth,  "  From  the  time  of  Robinson  Crusoe  down  to  the 
present,  few  castaways  bad  been  placed  in  equally  com- 
fortable circumstances." 

The  erection  of  the  house  completed,  our  friends  could 
but  look  with  satisfaction  upon  the  result  of  well 
directed  effort,  combined  with  severe  labor,  which  had 
terminated  in  a  house  of  ample  proportions,  in  every 
respect  quite  adequate  to  their  present  needs. 

Now  began  the  work  of  clearing  the  soil  from  which 
they  had  cut  the  timber  for  their  cabin,  first  piling 
the  brush,  the  longer  limbs  being  used  for  fire  wood, 
this  latter  of  much  importance  during  the  wet  months. 
The  brush  burned  on  the  ground,  the  fire  wood  was  piled 
up  close  to  the  side  of  the  house  and  soon  became 
thoroughly  dried  by  the  sun's  rays.  Then  with  shovel  and 
spade,  they  turned  over  the  rich  mold,  about  an  acre  in  area, 
planting  corn,  beans,  and  potatoes,  which  would  not  ,be 
likely  to  vegetate  until  the  rain  had  fallen  in  sufficient 
quantity  to  moisten  the  parched  earth. 

This  work  completed,  they  fenced  the  acre  with 
palings  split  from  straight  grained  logs,  one  end  sharply 
pointed  driven  into  the  soft  mold  to  a  sufficient  depth  to 
insure  its  upright  position.  Tims  was  a  fence  constructed 
some  six  feet  in  height,  entirely  enclosing  the  field. 

At  the  point  nearest  the  house,  they  left  an  opening 
at  which  was  placed  a  strong  and  serviceable  gate,  the 


214  Oif  THE  ISLAND. 

principal  object  of  the  enclosure  being  to  protect  their 
crop,  while  growing,  from  the  depredation  of  animals, 
Avbo  roaming  about  at  night,  would  soon  have  destroyed 
the  fruits  of  their  hard  labor. 

The  cabin  completed,  the  farm  planted,  their  stores 
well  sheltered,  nothing  now  seemed  wanting  to  insure 
their  comfort,  and  the  work  keeping  them  busily 
employed  for  more  than  two  months  was  looked  upon 
with  much  satisfaction.  They  felt  themselves  fully  pre- 
pared for  any  future  emergency,  well  knowing  that 
future  must,  in  any  event,  depend  wholly  on  their  own 
unaided  exertions.  No  hope,  no  help,  no  thought  even 
of  either  from  any  other  source  was  deemed  possible. 
Yet  what  a  charge  a  few  short  months  had  brought 
about  in  their  circumstances?  So  wholly  unforeseen, 
unprovided  for,  and  it  reallj^  began  to  seem  that  some 
higher  power  must  have  taken  them  in  hand,  whether 
for  weal  or  woe,  who  should  determine,  as  is  ever  the 
case  in  one's  life.  For  oftentimes  those  things,  at  the  outset 
deemed  a  curse,  turn  out  our  chiefest  blessings. 

Up  to  this  time,  the  weather  had  been  nearly  perfect, 
save  at  times  uncomfortably  warm.  Yet  now  the  tem- 
perature was  daily  becoming  sensibly  cooler ;  more  espe- 
cially was  this  the  case  at  night  time,  an  extra  blanket 
not  coming  amiss. 

On  a  morning  a  few  days  later,  rising  somewhat 
earlier  than  was  his  usual  habit,  Captain  Perkins  noticed 
a  dark  cloud  rising  in  the  west. 

Calling  the  attention  of  Herman,  (who  scarcely  awake, 
lazily  approached,  yawning  and  rubbing  his  slee])y  eyes,) 
to  this  unusual  appearance  of  the  sky,  he  said  ;  "  Yonder 
dark  cloud  we  may  look  upon  as  the  forerunner  of  the 
rainy  season.  Thank  God,  we  are  prepared ;  our  long 
and  severe  labors  will  soon  find  a  recompense,  which 
only  goes  to  show  in  this,  as  every  other  instance,  well 
directed  effort  under  every  possible  circumstance,  proves 
the  wiser  course  in  the  end." 

The  captain  was  undoubtedly  a  good  deal  of  a  philoso- 
pher, having   acquired   this    habit   from    the   manifold 


ON  tHE  ISLAND.  215 

duties  of  a  seafaring  life  which  invariably  led  him  to 
adopt  as  mottoes,  "  Procrastination  is  the  thief  of  time," 
and  "Put  not  off  till  to-morrow  that  which  should  be  done 
to-day." 

The  cloud  in  the  west  gradually  deepened  and 
expanded  until,  at  mid-day  it  had  overspread  the 
heavens,  completely  shutting  out  the  rays  of  the  sun ; 
the  landscape  was  shrouded  in  gloom  ;  darkness  veiled 
the  broad  bosom  of  the  sea,  while  over  all  hovered  the 
coming  tropical  winter  night.  Thus  passed  the  day  in 
anxious  anticipation  of  the  coming  storm,  the  stores 
meanwhile  carefully  examined  that  nothing  might  be 
wanting  tending  in  the  least  degree  to  their  safety. 

Along  toward  the  middle  of  the  night,  rain  in  scattering 
drops  was  heard  pattering  on  the  roof  of  the  snug  cabin, 
the  first  since  landing  on  tliese  lonely  shores  some 
mouths  before.  It  was  a  welcome  sound  increasing 
slowly  in  volume  until  it  ran  in  great  streams  from  the 
water-proof  covering,  deluging  the  parched  earth  with 
its  life-giving  power, 

Now  it  fell  in  immense  sheets ;  the  winds  rose;  a  flash 
of  lightning  lit  up  the  heavens,  followed  by  a  crash  of 
thundershaking  the  stoutly  built  cabin  to  its  foundations. 
A  tropical  storm  had  burst  upon  them  in  all  its  tumul- 
tous fury,  the  prelude  to  a  long  succession  of  gales,  the 
wind  continuing  to  rise  with  velocity,  causing  the  huge 
forest  trees  to  crack,  bend  and  twist,  while  now  and 
then,  one,  torn  from  its  bed,  crashed  to  the  earth,  with  a 
report  not  unlike  a  discharge  of  heavy  artillery.  Yet 
through  all  this  warring  of  the  elements,  blasts  of  wind 
and  flooding  rain,  the  little  log  cabin  stood  the  test 
bravely,  impervious  to  the  one,  too  strong  to  succumb  to 
the  other,  our  islanders  the  while  feeling  a  great  sense  of 
security  in  their  safe,  though  humble  retreat. 

This  storm  of  tornado,  lightning  flash,  thunder  roll  and 
angry  flood,  soon  passed  away,  leaving  in  its  train  a 
light,  drizzling,  misty  rain  with  scarcely  an  intermission, 
save  now  and  then  a  sickly  illumination  of  the  sky,  as 
the    sun,    breaking    through    the  overhanging   clouds, 


216  ON  THE  ISLAND. 

remained  but  a  few  moments  then  to  disappear  as  quickly 
as  it  came.  Nature  now  took  on  a  garb  of  dazzling, 
magical  beauty. 

The  parched  brown  earth  eagerly  drank  in  the  flowing 
moisture,  its  surface  presenting  a  hue  of  brilliancy  scarcely 
conceival3le  to  one  who  has  never  been  an  inhabitant  of 
tropical  latitudes,  therin  witnessing  its  charming  scenes, 
and  rapid  growths. 

The  forest  trees  put  forth  from  their  wide  extended  arms 
new  buds,  growing  and  expanding  so  swiftly,  under  the 
genial  temperature  and  vapor-laden  atmosphere,  that  ere 
one  could  well  realize  the  fact,  wonderous  masses  of 
foliage  covered  both  hillside,valleys,  plains  and  sequestered 
dell.  The  birds  from  bush,  twig  and  stately  trees,  pro- 
claim, in  song  and  sweetly  chirping  glee,  their  happiness, 
while  the  great  winged  rovers  of  the  sea,  inland  lake 
and  forest,  made  the  air  resonant  with  joyous  cries  and 
quacks. 

The  seeds  deftly  sown  in  the  rich  virgin  soil,  both 
grain  and  vegetable,  suddenly  sprang  forth,  eagerly  push- 
ing their  way  upward,  promising  rapid  growth  and 
bountiful  harvest.  Still  the  storm  kept  on,  now  raging 
in  relentless  fury,  anon  subsiding  in  gently-falling  mist, 
hence  the  islanders  were  kept  pretty  closely  confined 
indoors,  and  as  they  had  no  books,  no  reading  matter  of 
any  kind,  the  daily  Morning  Journal  stopped  for  non  pay- 
ment of  dues,  no  letters  to  write,  nothing  with  which  to 
employ  their  time,  they  finally  set  to  work  in  the  hope 
of  evolving  some  plan  whereby  to  pass  the  long  days 
until,  the  rainy  season  over,  out  of  door  work  would 
again  occupy  the  time,  engaging  their  whole  attention. 

Again  Herman  suggested  the  daily  recording  of  pass- 
ing events,  but  he  had  no  paper.  Indeed  this  seemed 
the  "  winter  of  discontent,"  to  all  save  Caesar,  who  found 
no  lack  of  occupation  in  keeping  the  stout  appetites  of 
his  companions  appeased  and  their  stomachs  in  good 
condition,  until,  at  length,  the  ever  fertile  brain  of  the 
captain  came  to  the  rescue  ;  he  was  strvcJc  by  a  happy 
thought. 


THE  CAPTURED  MERCHANTMAN.        217 

"  We  will  build  a  boat,  my  boy,"  said  he,  as,  refilling 
his  pipe,  he  settled  down  in  the  attitude  of  one  who  has 
solved  a  most  difficult  problem. 

"  To  be  sure,  a  most  happy  thought,"  echoed  his  young 
comrade. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

THE  CAPTURED   MERCHANTMAN. 

LET  US  return  to  the  Black  Eagle^  whose  commander 
had  set  on  the  island  shores,  the  loyal  Unionists 
leaving  them  to  an  unknown  fate.  She  pursued  her 
way,  resuming  her  former  course,  and  as  Sir  Eldred  was 
in  no  special  haste,  having  but  to  again  enter  the  accus- 
tomed highway  of  ocean  travel,  where  he  might  expect 
to  meet  some  vessel  sailing  under  the  Stars  and  Stripes, 
the  voyage  was  commenced  under  easy  sail,  a  lookout 
stationed,  the  affairs  of  the  ship  resuming  their  accus- 
tomed sway. 

Thus  twenty-four  hours'  progress  brought  him  to  the 
desired  roadstead,  and  shortly  after  the  watch  sighted  a 
strange  sail,  hull  down,  only  the  topmost  spars  visible. 

"  Sail  ho  I  "  was  shouted. 

"  Where  away  ?  "  inquired  the  officer  on  deck. 

"  On  the  larboard  tack,  sir,"  was  answered. 

The  Black  Eagle  was  at  once  put  on  her  course  to 
intercept  the  stranger,  all  sail  set,  every  sheet  that  would 
draw  crowded  on,  and  as  the  wind  was  fair,  she  made 
swift  progress,  rapidly  overhauling  the  vessel,  which, 
coming  into  full  view,  was  disclosed  to  be  a  large  mer- 
chantman, flying  the  Union  colors. 

Her  commander  now  becoming  aware  that  he  was 
cha?ed,  altered  his  course,  putting  his  vessel  before  the 
wind,  thereby  intending  to  seek  safety  bj'-  flight.  While  a 
good  sailer,  the  ship  was  no  match  in  speed  for  her  pur- 
suer, who  rapidly  closed  upon  her,  yet  as  a  stern  chase  is 


218  THE  CAPTURED   MERCHANTMAN. 

proverbially  a  long  one,  and  niglit  was  coming  on,  with 
a  threatening  sky,  there  seemed  a  fair  probability  of 
escape. 

Soon  heavy  black  clouds  rolled  up  to  leeward ;  night 
suddenly  fell,  followed  by  almost  intense  darkness, 
relieved  now  and  then  by  a  flash  of  lightning,  accom- 
panied by  a  roll  of  thunder,  heavier  and  more  terrific 
than  a  discharge  of  the  combined  batteries  of  the  Black 
Eayle. 

The  storm  fast  approaching,  sail  was  hastil}'^  taken  in 
and  the  ship  made  as  secure  as  possible  against  the 
expected  tempest. 

However,  the  chase  was  kept  up,  a  flash  of  lightning 
revealing  for  an  instant  the  tall  masts  and  black  hull  of 
the  fleeing  merchantman.  Soon  the  storm  clouds  burst 
in  all  their  ungovernable  fury,  deluging  the  deck  with 
floods  of  water.  Notwithstanding  the  utmost  eftbrts  of 
the  crew,  the  Black  Eayle  was  in  momentary  danger  of 
being  engulfed  in  the  tumultuous  waters  of  the  raging 
sea,  the  high  rolling  billows  dashing  against  her  prow, 
while  deluging  masses  of  spray  were  cast  on  deck. 

As  already  known,  the  Black  Eayle,  was  a  thoroughly 
staunch  ship,  her  crew  brave  and  uncommonly  skillful,  yet 
the  concealed  armor  and  heavy  guns  told  against  her, 
giving  rise  to  the  thought  that  she  was  overweighted, 
especially  when  encountering  so  severe  astorm.  Now  the 
tempest  reaching  its  height,  scarcely  a  possibility  of  the 
vessel's  being  saved,  Sir  Eldred  Eomayne  was  about  to 
order  the  deck  guns  overboard,  when  a  sudden  lull 
apprised  him  that  the  storm  had  spent  its  fury,  and 
would  in  all  probability  soon  abate,  which  soon  there- 
after proved  the  ease. 

An  hour  later,  the  moon  at  its  full  rose  from  out  the 
sea,  its  yellow  rays  casting  a  glow  over  the  boiling 
waters,  at  once  pleasing  and  inspiriting.  Though  the 
waves  were  still  running  high,  the  commander  ordered 
sail  again  set,  the  ship  put  on  her  way  and  the  chase 
resumed. 

The    merchantman,    meantime,  had    withstood    the 


The  captured  merchantman,  219 

tempest  much  better  than  could  have  been  expected, 
sustaining  little  damage  other  than  the  smashing  of  the 
starboard  bulwark  from  the  dashing  waves,  and  as  the 
storm  was  now  entirely  over,  the  atmosphere  clear,  she 
appeared  in  full  view  to  the  delight  of  her  pursuer.  In 
the  brilliant  rays  of  the  moon,  under  a  cloud  of  canvas, 
each  mast,  sail  and  shroud  clearly  outlined  against  the 
blue  background  of  the  sky,  she  presented  a  most  beau- 
tiful sight  to  the  onlookers  from  the  deck  of  the  Black 
Eagle,  many  of  whom,  however,  cared  less  for  her 
beaaties,  than  the  rich  plunder  lying  in  her  hold,  soon  as 
they  believed  to  be  in  their  possession.  Still  the  chase 
seemed  destined  to  be  greatly  prolonged ;  as  the  mer- 
chantman sailed  dead  before  the  wind,  it  was  no  easy 
matter  for  her  pursuer  to  get  near  enough  to  try  the 
calibre  of  his  guns. 

Thus  the  chase  continued  through  the  night,  when  the 
sun  rising  showed  the  Black  Eagle  to  have  gained  an 
appreciable  advantage.  Still  nearing  the  fleeing  vessel, 
at  midday  she  was  within  range  of  the  long  thirty-two 
midship  gun  of  the  cruiser. 

The  Black  Eagle  now  hoisted  her  colors,  at  the  same 
time  sending  a  round  shot  over  the  fleeing  ship's  tops. 
To  this  challenge,  no  attention  was  paid,  when  Sir 
Edward,  calling  to  his  first  officer,  said,  "  Mr.  Rogers, 
give  her  a  shot  from  the  bow  gun,  aim  low  and  make  it 
tell." 

The  heavy  gun  was  immediately  loaded  and  dis- 
charged, striking  the  merchantman  squarely  on  the  star- 
board quarter,  and  as  this  was  the  first  intimation  she 
had  received  that  her  pursuer  was  an  armed  vessel  of 
war,  and  being  herself  unarmed,  thus  wholly  at  the 
mercy  of  the  former,  she  could  do  no  less  than  haul 
down  her  colors  and  "  heave  to,"  when  a  launch  contain- 
ing an  officer  and  a  half  dozen  marines  were  dispatched 
to  take  possession.  Upon  inspection,  she  proved  a  rich 
prize,  being  loaded  with  a  cargo  of  hemp,  manilla,  and 
other  valuable  south  sea  products  of  the  utmost  utility 
to  the  Confederate  Government. 


220  THE   CAPTURED   MERCHANTMAN". 

Sir  Eldred  Eomajne,  after  consultation  with  his 
officers,  ofi'ered  the  crew  of  the  captured  vessel  their  free- 
dom, with  the  same  generous  pay  his  own  men  were 
receiving,  provided  they  would,  join  him,  resuming  duty 
under  his  command.  Otherwise  he  would  be  compelled 
to  take  them  home  prisoners  of  war. 

As  the  merchantman's  crew  were  of  various  nationali- 
ties, Irish,  German,  English,  together  with  a  smattering  of 
renegade  Yankees,  who  cared  less  under  what  flag  they 
served,  than  for  the  pay  received,  they  readily  acceeded 
to  the  proposal,  with  one  exception,  the  captain,  who, 
true  to  his  principles  and  loyal  to  his  country,  refused  all 
compromise  in  the  matter. 

Commander  Romayne  urged  him  both  by  entreaty  and 
argument  to  join  his  standard,  "  In  which  event,"  said 
he,  "  I  will  fully  protect  you  in  your  rights  both  as  to 
person  and  property ;  meanwhile  urging  that  the  South 
were  to  all  intents  and  purposes  in  the  right,  that  its 
ultimate  triumph  was  a  foregone  conclusion,  and 
further,"  he  continued,  "  I  have  adopted  its  cause  from 
pure  conviction  of  its  justness.  But  Captain  Tompkin's 
could  not  see  it  in  the  same  light.  Argument,  entreaty, 
threats  even  failed,  the  honest-hearted,  loyal  man  refus- 
ing in  any  manner  whatever  to  assist  the  Confederate 
cause,  saying  he  would  sooner  return  in  poverty,  than 
disgrace.  "  And,"  continued  he,  his  voice  trembling 
with  emotion  and  no  little  scorn,  "  Captain  Romayae,  load 
me  with  chains,  if  you  will,  heap  every  indignity  upon 
my  head,  yet  desert  my  country  I  will  not,  especially  at 
an  hour  when  every  loyal-minded  citizen  and  well- 
wisher  should  be  at  the  fore.  Furthermore  while  I  can 
but  mourn  the  loss  of  my  ship,  together  with  a  carge 
secured  by  so  much  labor  and  outlay,  I  esteem  it  an 
honor  to  sacrifice  not  only  this,  but  my  life,  if  need  be, 
in  opposition  to  a  cause  both  unholy  and  unjust." 

The  captain,  be  it  said,  was  not  only  of  a  philosophic 
turn,  but  also  a  believer  in  the  adage,  "  What  can't  be 
cured  must  be  endured,"  Thus  well  knowing  there  was 
but  one  of  two  ways  from  which  to  chose,  either  take 


THE  CAPTURED   MERCHANTMAN.  221 

the  present  course  or  war  against  his  country,  he  was  not 
long  in  deciding.  So  he  reluctantly  turned  over  ship, 
crew  and  cargo  to  the  hands  of  his  successful  antagonist, 
meantime  registering  a  vow,  and  giving  his  captor  the 
assurance,  that  should  an  opportunity  occur  at  any  time 
in  the  future,  he  would  take  advantage  of  the  same,  pay- 
ing him  in  his  own  coin,  and  he  was  a  man  to  make 
good  his  word. 

The  Black  Eagle  escorted  her  prize,  until  arriving  at  a 
friendly  port,  when  she  again  set  sail  with  flying  colors, 
putting  to  sea  in  search  of  further  spoils. 

The  prize  ship  was  ere  long  disposed  of  to  the  govern- 
ment agent,  together  with  her  valuable  cargo,  a  large 
sum  being  realized  therefrom. 

The  mariners  were  now  granted  a  thirty  days'  leave 
of  absence,  with  the  understanding  that  they  would  at 
the  end  of  the  furlough  report  at  a  given  point,  thus  re- 
joining the  Black  Eagle\  to  which  they  were  only  too 
willing  to  consent  to  do,  more  especially  in  consideration 
of  the  favorable  circumstances  attending  their  former 
cruise.  Yet  they  could  scarcely  expect  to  come  off  as 
easily  on  all  occasions,  as  they  would  be  liable  to  meet 
now  and  then  a  foe  worthy  of  their  steel,  possibly  a 
vessel  carrying  concealed  armor. 

The  news  of  the  capture  of  so  fine  a  ship,  together 
with  a  valuable  cargo,  traveled  fast  and  far;  so  that 
Sir  Eldred  was  not  only  highly  complimented  on  the 
achievement,  but  also  received  congratulations  from  the 
Confederate  Government,  they  vowing  him  one  of  the 
most  competent  and  skillful  commanders  in  the  marine 
service. 

Meanwhile,  the  press  throughout  the  principal  cities 
and  towns  of  the  South,  lauded  the  Black  Eagle  to  tlie 
skies,  recommending  a  gold  medal  to  be  struck  off, 
commemorating  his  services,  and  as  a  token  of  esteem 
to  a  gallant  commander  who  had  not  only  given  his 
time,  but  also  his  wealth,  to  a  cause  they  held  so  dear. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  journals  of  the  North  heaped 
obloquy  on  the  heads  of  British  subjects  in  general,  and 


222    ENGAGEMENT   OF   NELLY   TO   MR.    RICHARDSON. 

this  one  in  particular,  who  as  was  averred,  had  better 
attend  to  his  own  business  and  let  the  South  manage 
their  own  afi'airs,  anyhow  in  a  strife  of  their  own  seek- 
ing. As  is  commonly  the  case,  it  makes  all  the  differ- 
ence in  the  world  "  which  bull  is  gored." 

Yet  the  Federal  authorities  little  suspected  this  ship, 
of  which  they  were  of  late  hearing  so  much,  having  with 
fio  little  seeming  efibrt  captured  one  of  their  finest  mer- 
chant vessels,  was  the  identical  craft  on  board  which 
the  escaped  prisoner,  Herman  Baxter,  had  taken  refuge, 
later  pursued  by  the  revenue  cutter  from  which  no 
tidings  had  been  received  since  her  departure  on  that 
ill  fated  expedition. 

The  Federal  Government  at  length  coming  to  a 
stern  realization  that  it  was  high  time  something  should 
be  done  by  way  of  putting  a  stop  to  the  proceedings  of 
a  ship  whose  guns  were  carrying  terror  throughout  the 
merchant  marine,  as  the  most  extravagant  stories  were 
being  set  on  foot  relative  to  her  unequalled  prowess, 
accompanied  by  the  assertion  that  no  vessel  of  the 
Federal  navy  was  capable  of  competing  with  the  Black 
Eagle,  immediately  ordered  the  largest  and  most  power- 
ful armed  vessel  in  pursuit,  whose  exploits  will  be  noticed 
hereafter. 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

ENGAGEMENT   OF  NELLY  TO  MR.  RICHARDSON. 

THE  Hon.  John  Richardson  and  Nelly  Baxter,  as  ad- 
ministrators of  the  estate  of  the  late  Thomas  Bax- 
ter, were  necessarily  brought  into  intimate  relations;  and 
as  Mr.  Richardson  was  in  every  sense  a  gentleman,  kind 
but  never  obtrusive,  a  thorough  man  of  business,  yet 
in  social  life  a  pleasant  entertainer,  Nelly  had  conceived 
a  considerable  liking  for  him;  infact,  he  had  so  won  upon 
her  regard  that  he  believed  the  time  had  arrived  when 
he  might  safely  approach  her  concerning  matters  other 
than  business. 


ENGAGEMENT  OF   NELLY   TO   MR.   RICHARDSON.    223 

On  the  other  hand,  Nelly,  laboring  under  the  delusion 
that  the  man  to  whom  she  had  surrendered  her  heart,  to 
whom  she  had  ever  given  the  warmest  place  in  her 
aflectious,  solicited  the  boon,  urging  her  to  the  sacrifice, 
though  little  understanding  its  magnitude.  At  the 
same  time,  Nelly  gave  him  unequivocally  to  under- 
stand that  her  heart  was  not  her  own  to  give,  that  it 
was  in  the  keeping  of  another,  one  who  neither  would 
or  could  claim  it.  As  to  the  hand,  that  was  another 
matter  ;  to  that  he  was  welcome. 

While  this  state  of  affairs  might  not  be  considered  in 
thorough  harmony  with  his  views,  nor  what  Mr.  Richard- 
son most  desired,  yet  on  the  principle  that  a  "  half  loaf 
is  better  than  none,"  he  deemed  it  wise  to  cheerfully 
comply  with  the  conditions,  trusting  to  timeand  his  own 
deep  seated  affections  to  set  all  things  right.  So  he  now 
gave  himself  up  to  pleasing  contemplationsof  the  future, 
when  Nelly  should  have  become  the  recognized  head  of 
the  household,  he  her  devoted  servant. 

From  the  statement  made  by  her  father  while  on  his 
death  bed,  it  is  not  to  be  supposed  the  most  perfect  con- 
fidence could  exist  between  Nelly  and  the  widow  Steele, 
at  least  until  an  explanation  had  been  entered  upon ;  and 
Nelly  felt  much  reluctance  in  broaching  a  subject  in 
every  way  so  repugnant  to  her  feelings.  Still,  she  knew 
this  state  of  affairs  must  ere  long  be  settled,  and  her  now 
troubled  mind  set  at  rest,  which  could  onlj'-  be  brought 
about  by  hearing  the  story  from  the  widow's  own  lips. 
For,  she  argued,  might  there  not  be  some  terrible  mistake 
on  the  part  of  her  father  ?  That  he  would  knowingly 
deceive  her  was  not  for  a  moment  to  be  considered,  yet 
might  there  not  be  room  for  doubt,  as  he  might 
for  some  unknown,  possibly  selfish  reason,  have  been 
misinformed.  The  time  had  now  arrived  when  this 
momentous  question  must  be  settled,  and  this  not  only 
for  her  own  good,  but  also  the  interests  of  all  parties 
concerned. 

"With  this  resolve  strong  on  her  mind,  her  heart  mean- 
time  filled   with  the  most  conflicting  emotions,  terrible 


224    ENGAGEMENT   OF   NELLY   TO   MR.   RICHARDSON. 

doubts  and  misgivings  assailing  her,  for  her  all  seemed 
now  at  stake,  she  determined  that  very  day  the  matter 
should  be  set  at  rest.  So  breakfast  over,  tlie  early 
household  duties  attended  to,  the  two  ladies  seated 
in  the  little  snug  parlor,  engaged  in  some  light 
feminine  work,  Nelly  with  outward  coolness,  yet  great 
trepidation  of  spirit  and  fluttering  of  heart,  broaclied  the 
subject  by  remarking : 

"  Mrs.  Steele,  are  your  son  Duke  and  I  in  any  way 
related;  that  is  to  say,  any  blood  relation  ?  " 

She  did  not  dare  to  raise  her  eyes  to  the  face  of  her 
old  friend,  while  a  deep  blush  overspread  her  features, 
otherwise  she  would  have  noticed  the  look  of  great 
wonderment  and  surprise  her  question  had  called  forth 
from  the  eyes  of  the  widow,  who  answered: 

"  Duke  Steele  a  relative  of  yours,  my  child  ?  Why,  how 
could  such  a  strange  thought  have  entered  your  mind  ?  " 

"  Well,  my  good  friend,"  answered  the  well-pleased 
Nelly,  who  more  from  the  widow's  manner  than  from  her 
words,  believed  there  was  really  some  mistake,  "  please 
don't  be  angry  with  me,  nor  think  for  one  moment  I  have 
asked  the  question  from  mere  thoughtlessness,  or  idle 
curiosity;  nor  that  I  take  an  undue  liberty  in  so  doing; 
yet  from  something  my  father  said  shortly  before  his 
death,  I  was  led  to  believe  there  might  be  some 
foundation  for  the  remark  he  made,  both  at  that  time  and 
on  a  previous  occasion." 

"  My  dear,"  replied  the  widow,  *'  I  perceive  the  time 
has  at  last  arrived  when  I  must  reveal  a  secret  I  had 
hoped  to  carry  with  me  to  the  grave;  but  as  you  have 
doubtless  already  been  placed  in  possession  of  its  details, 
I  will  only  say  that  your  father  spent  many  of  the  best 
years  of  his  life  laboring  under  an  unhappy  delusion. 
Without  going  into  the  merits  of  the  case,  painful  as  they 
must  be  to  both,  I  can  only  add  that  Duke  is  the  only  son 
of  John  Steele  and  his  lawfully  wedded  wife  Jerusha. 
This  conclusion,  or  rather,  perhaps,  misapprehension, 
which  so  troubled  your  father  during  the  latter  years  of 
his  life,  which  for  several  reasons  I  neither  did  nor  do 


ENGAGEMENT   OF   NELLY   TO   MR.   RICHARDSON.    225 

now  care  to  nieution,  arose  from  the  very  natural  belief 
that  Duke  was  his  son.  That  son  died  in  its  infancy,  a 
fact  not  known  to  your  father.  This  is  all  there  is  to  it, 
my  dear,  and  now  that  this  painful  subject  is  ofl"  my 
mind,  I  feel  that  I  may  rest  easier." 

Springing  to  her  feet,  and  grasping  the  hands  of  the 
old  lady,  tears  in  her  eyes,  Nelly  ejaculated: 

"  God  bless  you,  my  dear  friend,  for  having  removed 
so  great  a  load  from  my  mind." 

Then  scarcely  daring  to  say  more,  or  trust  her  over- 
wrought feelings  in  the  widow's  presence,  she  retired  to 
her  room,  there  to  pour  out  her  heart-felt  gratitude  and 
thankfulness  to  that  Power  through  whom  she  was  so 
signally  blest,  in  thus  having  removed  the  last  barrier 
to  the  ultimate  happiness  of  both  herself  and  Duke. 
Then  shedding  a  few  happy  tears,  she  took  up  her  bat 
and  went  out  to  the  shady  wood  some  little  distance 
away,  all  nature  seeming  to  rejoice  in  her  new  found 
happiness. 

Nelly  could  have  resignedly  endured  the  loss  of  home, 
kindred,  friends  and  even  of  a  kind  father,  separation 
from  an  only  and  well  beloved  brother,  if  only  her  lover 
were  spared.  Yet,  while  rejoicing  in  her  new  born  hap- 
piness, another  source  of  disquiet  came  to  her  mind,  and 
this  no  less  than  in  the  person  of  the  Eichmond  lawyer, 
the  friend  who  had  so  loyally  stood  by  her  through  all 
trials,  manifesting  so  much  devotion  to  her  interests  and 
tenderness  for  her  feelings,  never  deigning  by  word  or 
look  to  convey  the  impression  that  his  kind  acts  were 
governed  by  other  than  pure  and  generous  motives ;  he 
who  had  even  acted  the  part  of  a  gentleman,  at  the 
same  time  honestly  giving  her  his  fealty  and  worship ; 
he  to  whom  she  had  promised  her  hand,  only,  how 
would  he  bear  up  under  this  sudden  turn  of  affairs  ? 

These  troublous  and  unwelcome  thoughts  nowpressed 
upon  her  so  heavily,  that  she  shrank  in  dread  from 
their  contemplation.  Nevertheless,  she  felt  a  stern  duty 
owing  to  herself,  in  that  the  lawyer  must  be  at  once 
acquainted  with  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  and  that 
14 


226  CHANCELLOBSVILLB. 

they  might  peradventure  prove  disastrous  to  him,  she 
much  feared,  at  least  judging  from  a  previous  experience. 
Nelly  was  not  one  to  neglect  a  known  duty,  however 
irksome  or  unpleasant,  so  she  at  once  wrote  to  Mr. 
Richardson,  telling  him  freely  and  fully  the  whole  story, 
begging  forgiveness  for  whatsoever  she  might  have  done 
or  promised  under  the  then  exciting  state  of  affairs,  at  the 
same  time  giving  him  to  understand  the  engagement  so 
hastily  entered  into  must  be  broken,  and  the  past,  if  not 
wholly  forgiven,  at  least  forgotten. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

rilHE  spring  of  1863  had  now  arrived.  The  Federal 
I  forces,  remaining  in  winter  quarters  until  the 
month  of  April,  were  now  set  in  motion  under  the  new 
commander.  General  Hooker,  who  again  crossed  the 
large  and  well  appointed  army  over  the  Rappahannock, 
following  nearly  in  the  steps  of  his  predecessor.  General 
Burnside,  some  four  months  previous. 

Having  completed  his  arrangements  for  moving  the 
grand  army,  as  also  plans  for  the  coming  battle.  General 
Hooker  determined  to  attack  the  Confederates  by  a 
flank  movement  to  the  right,  the  main  body  being  at 
this  time  entrenched  on  St.  Marie's  Heights  in  the  rear 
of  Fredericksburg. 

In  order  to  effect  the  desired  object,  it  was  necessary 
to  attract  General  Lee's  attention  from  the  movement;  so 
while  a  large  force  was  to  make  a  feint  on  his  front, 
another  body  was  to  move  at  some  distance  below  the 
city  on  the  left,  thus  drawing  attention  in  that  direction, 
while  the  main  body  was  to  sweep  around  to  the  right, 
coming  up  in  the  Confederate  rear. 

On  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  April,  the  Federals  began 
the   movement   by  crossing  the  right  wing,  which,  on 


CHANCELLORSVILLE.  227 

the  second  day,  just  before  nightfall,  were  camped  on 
the  plains  of  Chancellorsville,  some  ten  miles  away. 

The  right  wing  of  the  Federal  army,  made  uj)  of  the 
Fifth,  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Corps,  afterwards  adding  the 
First  and  Third,  were  separated  ii-om  the  other  portions  by 
a  distance  of  ten  miles;  while  the  Confederates,  massed 
between,  were  prepared  to  deal  successive  heavy  blows 
on  either  wing  of  the  Federals.  It  will  be  readily  seen 
a  mistake  was  made  at  the  outset,  proving  later  a  very 
serious  one ;  for  while  Sedgewick  was  vainly  struggling 
in  the  rear  against  stone-walls,  embankments  and  masked 
batteries.  Hooker  was  not  only  struggling  but  being 
badly  beaten  at  the  front. 

General  Sedgewick  in  the  meantime  having  made  a 
successful  stand,  was  now  overwhelmed  by  the  victorious 
Confederates,  who  from  being  enabled  to  detach  a  large 
force  from  the  front,  drove  him  from  out  the  entrench- 
ments on  the  St.  Mary's  Heights,  then  following  until  hia 
forces  were  compelled  to  fall  back  and  recross  the  river. 

In  the  meantime  General  Hooker,  through  the  defeat 
of  Sedgewick's  large  forces,  believing  all  lost,  as  he  had 
suffered  a  terrible  defeat  in  front,  now  followed  suit,  and 
taking  advantage  of  a  dark  stormy  night,  hastened  to 
perform  the  same  feat  as  did  Burnside  under  like  circum- 
stances. Thus  we  find  the  entire  Federal  army  again 
camping  on  the  old  ground  at  Falmouth,  on  the  north 
bank  of  the  Rappahannock. 

Thus  ended  this  nine  days'  campaign,  in  which  a  long 
series  of  engagements  had  taken  place,  thousands  of 
valuable  lives  sacrificed  and  still  notliing  gained,  as  over- 
come by  the  veteran  battalions  of  the  South  under  com- 
petent commanders,  at  their  head  the  valiant  General  Lee, 
General  Hooker  found  himself  at  the  close  of  the  cam- 
paign in  the  same  situation  as  that  of  General  Burnside 
on  the  previous  fifteenth  day  of  December — that  is,  suc- 
ceeded by  a  new  Federal  chief.  Yet  of  what  avail  is 
strategy,  it  may  well  be  asked,  when  confronted  by  a 
successful  system  of  espionage,  especially  when  con- 
ducted by  an  energetic,  fearless,  handsome  spy  like  Carrie 


228  CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

Foster,  who  in  this  role,  faithfully  performed  her  every 
duty  for  which  she  was  peculiarly  fitted,  and  ever 
proved  of  the  greatest  possible  benefit  to  the  Confederate 
commander,  allowed  as  she  was  to  pass  freely  to  and 
fro  between  the  opposing  forces  ? — hence  each  contem- 
plated move  of  the  Federals  was  immediately  conveyed 
to  General  Lee. 

Possessed  of  wonderful  sagacity,  tact,  shrewdness  and 
skill,  combined  with  coolness  in  the  hour  of  danger, 
never  for  a  moment  losing  her  self-possession,  she  was 
thus  of  really  more  benefit  to  the  Confederate  cause  than 
any  other  single  factor,  contributing  in  great  measure  to 
the  defeat  of  the  Federals  in  every  engagement. 

Eph,  the  colored  lad,  who  had  enlisted  with  and 
accompained  Captain  Duke  Steele  to  the  army,  as  boot- 
black and  general  utility  man,  had  kept  an  eye  on  the 
suspected  spy,  in  the  meantime  vainly  endeavoring  to 
escape  to  the  Union  lines  for  the  purpose  of  informing 
the  commander  as  to  his  knowledge  concerning  the  girl. 
However,  his  success  in  this  direction  seemed  to  have 
thus  far  miscarried. 

Passing  around  and  through  the  filled  hospitals,  shortly 
after  the  close  of  the  Chancellorsville  battle,  Carrie 
Foster  having  unconsciously  lifted  her  close  fitting  veil, 
at  all  times  concealing  her  face,  suddenly  encountered 
the  well  known  features  of  Lieutenant  Cyril  Blanchard, 
who  was  lying  outstretched  on  a  pallet  of  straw. 

The  lieutenant  had  been  most  severely  wounded 
during  the  late  engagement,  which  now  for  the  first  time 
became  known  to  the  daring  girl,  while  she  at  the  same 
time  was  supposed  by  Blanchard  to  be  at  her  home  in 
Montgomery. 

"  Thank  God,"  said  he  as  their  eyes  met,  "  that  I  again 
look  on  your  sweet  face !  Yet,  my  darling,  how  came 
you  here?  "  he  farther  questioned. 

Imagine  the  surprise  and  no  less  chagrin  of  the  girl 
whose  identity  had  so  long  been  successfully  concealed, 
upon  finding  herself  confronted  by  the  man  to  whom  of 
all  others  she  most  desired  to  remain  unknown,  the  lover 


CHANCELLOKSVILLE,  229 

wliom  she  had  so  long  eluded,  often  meeting,  even  con- 
versing with  him  without  in  the  least  being  suspected, 
yet  to  whom  she  had  now  betrayed  herself  in  this  fool- 
ish manner  I 

However,  there  was  now  no  help  for  it.  So  after  due 
and  possibly  satisfactory  explanations  on  her  part  under 
the  promise  of  secrecy  on  his,  she  said  : 

"  Cyril,  I  will  remain  with  and  care  for  you  until  you 
have  quite  recovered;  this  is  as  far  as  my  duties  will 
permit  and  as  far  as  I  can  promise,  but  under  all  circum- 
stances my  identity  must  never  be  disclosed.  It  would 
be  my  ruin,  for  you  must  well  understand  my  position, 
perilous  in  the  extreme  as  it  is,  as  I  am  working  in  the 
interest  of  the  Confederate  cause,  to  whose  success,  I 
flatter  myself,  I  have  not  a  little  contributed.  Have  I 
your  promise  ?  For  to  reveal  my  secret  would  not  only 
endanger  my  liberty,  but  perhaps  place  my  life  in 
jeopardy,  at  the  same  time  work  an  irreparable  injury 
to  a  cause  to  which  we  both  have  given  our  best 
endeavors." 

"  Why,  certainly,  my  darling,"  replied  the  wounded 
officer,  who  could  but  look  on  the  young  enthusiastic 
heroine  with  admiration,  mingled  with  awe  upon  hear- 
ing the  fearless  expressions.  While  I  can  but  regret  to 
thus  see  your  precious  life  exposed  to  such  great  danger 
and  yourself  to  the  rude  camp  life  consequent  upon  the 
course  you  see  fit  to  pursue,  I  only  feel  the  more  pride 
and  admiration  for  a  character  willing  to  sacrifice  so 
much  to  a  cause  we  are  all  laboring  so  hard  to  carry  for- 
ward, as  I  trust  and  hope,  to  a  successful  termination. 
For  wounds  and  death  even,  are  as  nothing  in  compari- 
son to  the  end  sought." 

So  it  came  about  that  Carrie  remained  with  him  a 
good  portion  of  the  time,  until  he  was  pronounced  out  of 
danger  by  the  attending  surgeon,  then  bidding  him  adieu, 
she  resumed  her  perilous  duties.  Still  the  eye  of  Eph 
was  upon  her,  closely  watching  her  every  move,  he  in 
the  meantime  striving  with  might  and  main  to  reach 
the  Federal  camp. 


230  CHANCELLORSVILLE. 

While  tliese  eveots  were  transpiring,  Captain  Duke 
Steele,  in  blissful  ignorance  of  this,  through  the  vicissi- 
tudes and  not  unusual  casualties  of  war,  had  become 
second  in  command  of  the  First  Alabama  Cavalry,  com- 
missioned at  the  close  of  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville, 
lieutenant-colonel. 

Since  his  last  visit  to  the  Baxter  plantation,  when  he 
had  so  opportunely  appeared  with  his  little  band  of 
troopers,  nothing  had  been  heard  from  Nelly,  though  a 
letter  or  two  from  his  mother  had  said  that  she  was  a 
welcome  inmate  of  her  home. 

He  had  therefore  determined  on  the  first  opportunity 
presenting,  to  again  pay  his  mother  a  visit,  expecting  as 
a  matter  of  course  to  see  Nelly,  when  he  would  seek  an 
explanation,  concerning  the  real  significance  of  the  sen- 
tence, "  Duke,  we  can  never  be  to  each  other  more  than 
friends." 

While  the  heart  of  the  maiden  was  at  rest,  his  own 
was  torn  by  the  most  conflicting  emotions;  for  the  chain 
of  startling  and  no  less  strange,  inexplicable  events  so 
long  hovering  over  and  shadowing  both  himself  and  the 
Baxter  family,  could,  by  no  ordinary  methods,  be  satis- 
factorily explained.  Yet  could  Duke  Steele  at  this  time 
have  looked  beneath  the  surface  of  events,  however 
deeply  laid,  well  planned  or  successfully  executed,  he 
would  at  once  have  become  convinced  the  solution  was 
an  easy  matter,  simply  the  ofishoot  and  effect  of  the 
movement — nothing  more,  nothing  less.  The  several 
objects  at  which  the  Confederacy  aimed,  all  so  success- 
fully carried  forward  by  its  unscrupulous  agents,  seemed 
in  a  fair  way  of  being  realized,  as  Southern  sympa- 
thizers with  the  Abolition  sentiment  of  the  North,  were 
now  being  brought  under  ban  of  condemnation,  their 
estates  confiscated,  their  fsimilies  cast  adrift  to  seek  the 
charities  of  a  cold,  uncharitable  world,  and  all  this  a 
natural  result  of  internecine  war,  brought  about,  con- 
tinued and  carried  forward,  mainly  by  political,  sec- 
tional differences  of  opinion,  and  by  no  less  selfish  inter- 
ests. 


CHANCELLORSVILLE.  231 

General  Hooker  retained  command  of  tlie  army  of  the 
Potomac,  until  the  28th  day  of  June,  1863,  when  sud- 
denly and  without  previous  warning,  he  was  relieved  by 
the  appointment  of  General  Meade,  an  officer  of  great 
distinction  and  undoubted  courage,  having  in  former 
campaigns  gained  the  esteem  of  both  the  army  and  the 
general  government. 

The  battle  of  Gettysburg,  undoubtedly  the  most  san- 
guinary and  hotly  contested  engagement  of  the  war, 
was  fought  and  won  by  the  Federal  army  under  command 
of  General  Meade  on  July  4th,  1863,  the  surrender  of 
Vicksburg  to  General  Grant  occurring  on  the  same  day. 

On  the  occasion  of  a  most  desperate  cbarge  by  the 
First  Alabama  Cavalry  during  the  second  day  of  the  battle 
of  Gettysburg,  Colonel  Emberly  was  seriously  and  at 
first,  supposed  to  be  mortally  wounded,  but  it  terminated 
eventually  in  the  loss  of  his  right  leg,  so  that  his  second 
in  command.  Lieutenant-colonel  Duke  Steele,  was  again 
promoted  on  the  field  of  battle  to  the  colonelcy  of  the 
regiment,  securing  his  commission  shortly  after,  dated 
Montgomery,  July  2nd  1863. 

In  the  many  severe  engagements  in  which  the  regi- 
ment had  actively  participated,  it  was  necessarily  greatly 
reduced  in  numbers,  not  more  than  one  half  being  fit  for 
duty;  but  as  recruits  were  now  being  actively  forwarded 
from  Alabama,  it  soon  came  up  to  its  full  standard  of  one 
thousand.  So  Colonel  Steele  found  himself  at  the  head 
of  as  fine  a  body  of  dragoons  as  the  Confederacy  could 
boast;  and  certainly  no  better  or  braver  commander 
could  be  found  in  either  army,  and  those  who  had  so  long 
fought  with  him  were  in  every  way  worthy  of  so  gallant 
a  leader,  having  the  utmost  confidence  in  his  discretion 
and  ability,  as  witnessed  on  so  many  hotly  contested 
fields. 


232  SEIZURE   OF   NELLY   BY   GUERILLAS. 


CHAPTER  XXXIY. 

SEIZURE  OF  NELLY  BY  GUERILLAS. 

FROM  the  long  continued  period  of  arduous  service 
in  the  field,  Colonel  Duke  Steele  believed  he  was 
now  entitled  to  a  little  rest.  Furthermore,  the  gallant 
officer  was  becoming  solicitous  regarding  the  welfare 
of  his  mother  and  Nelly,  so  he  resolved  to  call  on  his 
commander.  General  Stuart,  and  ask  for  short  leave 
of  absence,  which  was  readily  granted  him. 

Accordingly  two  days  later  Colonel  Duke  Steele  rode 
out  of  camp,  attended  by  a  squad  of  fifty  of  his  bravest 
troopers,  not  merely  as  a  guard  of  honor,  but  from  the 
supposition  they  might  be  required  to  guard  his  best 
friends,  as  well  as  himself.  For,  from  trustworthy  ac- 
counts, the  country  round  about  Oxford,  and  the  lower 
Rappahannock,  was  almost  in  the  hands  of  the  guer- 
rillas, who,  could  they  but  secure  an  officer  of  his  rank, 
might  expect  a  handsome  reward  for  his  deliverance. 
So  the  colonel  deemed  it  a  wise  measure  to  go  well 
guarded,  then  should  occasion  require,  he  would  be 
enabled  to  connect  business  with  pleasure. 

Leaving  camp  at  daybreak,  they  rode  hard,  now  and 
then  halting  for  a  half- hour's  rest,  until  about  midnight 
they  reached  the  village  of  Oxford,  when  they  bivouacked 
for  the  remainder  of  the  night. 

The  weary  steeds  were  tethered,  watered  and  fed, 
fires  lighted,  rails  from  a  neighboring  fence  providing 
fuel.  Soon  tiny  clouds  of  blue  smoke  rose  in  the  still 
atmosphere,  betokening  preparations  for  breaking  the 
long  day's  fast,  the  merry  jest  and  song  meanwhile  enliven- 
ing the  scene,  for  the  soldier  is  never  so  happy  as  when 
in  the  enjoyment  of  the  hastily  prepared  meal  after 
a  fatiguing  day's  march.  , 


SEIZURE   OF   NELLY   BY   GUERILLAS.  233 

Supper  over,  guards  stationed,  horses  cared  for,  all 
tilings  became  quiet,  no  sound  being  heard,  save  the 
stentorian  breathing  or  snore  of  some  more  than 
usually  ambitious  trooper. 

Lingering  no  longer  than  necessary  to  become  assured 
that  ail  things  about  the  camp  were  in  good  order,  cau- 
tioning the  sentinels  to  be  wary  in  regard  to  prowling 
marauders,  in  the  way  of  guerillas,  or  others  of  like  ilk,  he 
took  his  departure,  hastening  to  the  little  cottage  beneath 
whose  roof  was  domiciled  his  aged  mother  and  the 
maiden  who  so  fully  engrossed  his  thoughts  by  day  and 
his  dreams  by  night. 

A  few  minutes'  hurried  walk  brought  him  to  the  door, 
when  gently  knocking,  his  mother  soon  appeared,  imme- 
diately recognizing  in  the  person  of  the  visitor,  her  long 
absent  boy,  still  a  boy  to  her. 

Clasping  her  feeble  arms  about  his  neck,  tears  falling- 
down  her  withered  cheeks,  while  sobs  and  sighs  con- 
vulsed her  frame,  she  ejaculated  in  almost  hysterical 
tones,  "  Thank  God,  my  boy  has  come !  " 

"  Why,  mother  dear,"  said  the  colonel,  "  what  is  the 
matter?  Has  anything  serious  happened  to  cause  this 
excessive  agitation,  tell  me?  " 

"  Oh  !  my  son,"  replied  the  widow,  "  a  terrible  calam- 
ity has  surely  happened,  a  sad  explanation  awaits  you!  " 
Then  placing  a  chair,  and  taking  a  seat  by  his  side,  she 
told  him  that  a  band  of  guerillas  headed  by  Mr.  Baxter's 
plantation  school-teacher  Cyrus  Jones,  had  invaded  the 
premises,  at  about  ten  o'clock,  and  "  Oh  I  my  son,  how 
can  I  have  the  heart  to  say  it !  carried  away  our  dear 
Nelly ! " 

"  Carried  away  Nelly  ?  What  do  you — what  can  you 
mean,  my  dear  mother?  Carried  off  Nellie?  Tell  me 
all  about  it.  When  were  they  here  ?  When  did  they 
leave,  and  oh  !  do  you  know  what  road  they  have  taken  ?  " 
Then  continuing,  "  My  God  !  mother,  our  dear  Nellie  in 
that  demon's  power!  I'll  hunt  him  out,  and  he'll  rue  the 
day  he  committed  this  brutal  outrage — aye !  I'll  have  his 
heart's  blood." 


234  SEIZURE   OF   NELLY   BY   GUERILLAS. 

"  Well,  my  boy,"  said  the  thoroughly  distracted 
widow,  "  it  was  about  half-past  nine  when  a  squad  of 
men  rode  to  the  gate,  demanding  admittance  on  the  plea 
they  were  cold.  I  invited  them  into  the  house,  made  up 
a  rousing  fire,  when  soon  after  the  leader  said  they  were 
hungry  and  that  I  must  furnish  them  with  both  food 
and  drink." 

"And  what  answer  did  you  make  to  that  demand, 
mother  ?  " 

"  Why,  there  was  only  one  reply  I  could  make.  You 
should  rather  ask  what  I  did." 

"  Well  then  what  did  you  do  ?  '" 

"  I  set  before  them  the  best  the  house  afforded,  and 
that  was  not  very  much,  I'll  assure  you — a  pan  of  milk, 
and  several  loaves  of  bread.  Yet  with  this  they  seemed 
well  enough  content,  though  I  noticed  several  scowling 
faces,  one  or  two  making  a  sarcastic  remark,  that  they 
struck  the  wrong  place,  or  words  to  that  eflect,  when  the 
captain  silenced  them,  with  the  remark,  'Nevermind 
boys,  this  ain't  the  kind  of  game  we're  after.  So  let  this 
bread  and  milk  stop  your  mouths,  anyhow  for  the 
present,  for  they'll  soon  be  on  their  knees  begging  us  to 
accept  the  best  the  house  and  for  that  matter,  the  town 
affords.  Ha !  ha ! '  continued  the  villain,  *  good  joke  on 
that  Steele  fellow.' 

"  Of  course  you  understand  this  was  said  in  low  tones, 
thinking  I  wouldn't  hear  them,  but  I  did.  Still  I 
couldn't  for  the  life  of  me  imagine  what  they  were 
driving  at;  yet  to  my  sorrow  I  soon  found  out,  for  Nelly, 
awakened  by  the  uproar,  had  risen,  dressed,  and  come 
down  from  her  room,  appearing  just  as  the  outlaws  were 
finishing  their  bread  and  milk,  when  the  leader  of  the 
gang  ordering  them  to  mount,  caught  Nellie  in  his  arms, 
and  despite  the  poor  girl's  struggles  and  cries  for  assist- 
ance, carried  her  out  of  doors,  put  her  in  the  saddle, 
leaped  up  behind,  and  before  I  had  time  to  turn  round, 
were  off  like  the  mad  demons  they  are.  There,  Duke, 
you  have  the  whole  story.  Now  what  do  you  propose 
to  do?" 


SEIZURE   OF   NELLY   BY   GUERILLAS.  236 

"  Before  answering  the  very  suggestive  question, 
mother,  I  will  ask  you  one  in  turn.  What  direction  did 
they  take  ?  " 

"  Why,"  replied  his  mother,  "  they  took  the  pike  lead- 
ing to  the  north,  the  one  that  passed  by  old  man  Scogg's 
mill.  Surely  you  ought  to  remember  the  creek  where 
you  and  Herman  Baxter  used  to  go  fishing?  " 

"  Certainly,  mother,  I'll  never  forget  the  place  where  I 
came  so  near  to  getting  drov/ned,  and  would  have  done  so 
had  not  the  old  fellow  pulled  me  out." 

"  Heaven  bless  the  dear  lad!  "  piously  ejaculated  the 
widow,  "  I  only  wish  I  knew  where  he  was  this  minute 
and,  oh !  if  he  were  only  with  you  to  go  in  pursuit  of  his 
sister,  he  would  be  of  so  much  assistance  that " 

"Never  mind  the  sister,"  interrupted  Duke,  who 
little  relished  the  idea  of  his  mother  indulging  the 
thought  that  more  help  should  be  deemed  necessary  than 
that  of  his  boys  in  gray.  "They  are  doubtless  making 
their  way  to  the  mountains,  and  thank  God  1  we  are  in 
time  to  yet  overtake,  or  anyhow,  track  them  to  their  lair. 
I  must  now  repair  to  camp,  wake  the  boys,  and  have 
everything  in  readiness  for  a  start  before  day-break." 

So  bidding  her  good-bye  with  the  assurance  Nelly 
should  be  returned  to  her  in  good  time,  he  set  forth  to 
the  rendezvous,  where  he  found  everything  quiet,  the 
guard  reporting  no  disturbance  during  his  absence. 

The  trumpeter  was  now  awakened  and  ordered  to 
sound  "assembly,"  when  soon  all  were  astir.  "Boots 
and  saddles"  was  next  in  order,  and  in  less  than  a  half- 
hour  all  were  mounted,  no  one  as  3'et  aware  of  the 
object  of  this  sudden  move;  but  when  they  were  in  line, 
the  colonel  taking  his  place  in  front,  informed  them  of  it. 

Previous  to  leaving  his  mother  Duke,  had  rapidly 
sketched  the  leading  incidents  of  his  military  career, 
told  her  of  his  several  promotions  on  the  field  of  battle, 
his  many  narrow  escapes  from  imminent  peril,  the  strong- 
attachments  of  his  comrades  and  their  readiness  to 
follow  wheresoever  he  might  lead,  all  of  which  caused 
the  old  lady  to  look  upon  her  son  as  a  hero  indeed. 


236  BATTLE   WITH   THE   GUERILLAS. 

She  could  scarcely  for  a  moment  turn  ber  eyes  from 
bis  bronzed  manly  face,  yet  knowing  tbe  words  Nelly 
bad  spoken  to  him  in  regard  to  tbe  future,  she  believed 
the  time  bad  now  come  when  be  should  be  told  tbe 
true  state  of  affairs,  thus  setting  his  mind  at  rest.  So 
she  now  hastened  to  tell  him  about  the  conversation  be- 
tween Nelly  and  herself.  She  also  told  him  of  the  de- 
lusion that  had  so  haunted  and  preyed  on  the  mind  of 
Mr,  Baxter  tbese  many  long  years,  and  that  it  was 
simply  an  hallucination,  that  now  between  Duke  and 
Nelly  nothing  stood  in  the  way  of  their  mutual  happi- 
ness. However  time  was  short  and  duties  pressing,  so 
that  little  detail  could  be  entered  into,  and  the  colonel 
must  needs  be  satisfied,  with  the  simple  acknowledg- 
ment that  Nelly  could  be  his,  whenever  he  should 
choose  to  ask  her.  With  this  he  was  satisfied,  as  he 
could  now  ride  forth  in  joyful  anticipation  of  the  future, 
his  arm  doubly  strengthened  to  strike  a  rigorous  blow 
in  her  behalf.  Bidding  his  mother  an  affectionate  fare- 
well, he  hastened  to  the  camp  of  bis  followers,  as  pre- 
viously stated,  who  upon  hearing  the  story,  desired  noth- 
ing better  than  a  dash  at  the  hated  guerillas,  who,  under 
the  shallow  pretense  of  serving  their  country,  were  laying 
it  waste  with  their  ferocious  plunderings. 


CHAPTEK  XXXV. 

BATTLE  WITH  THE  GUERILLAS. 

NOW  every  trooper  is  in  his  saddle,  each  hand  takes 
firm  hold  of  the  reins,  each  foot  is  in  the  stirrup, 
the  ringing  notes  of  the  trumpet  sounds  the  advance,  and 
they  are  away,  riding  down  the  broad  turnpike  which 
extends  for  several  miles.  Anon,  the  sharp  eyes  of  the 
colonel  detect  marks  of  iron  shod  hoofs  to  the  right 
leading  over  an  unfrequented  road  in  the  direction  of 
the  mountains,  some  twenty  miles  away. 


BATTLE  WITH  THE  GUERILLAS.         237 

Pressing  on  as  rapidly  as  the  condition  of  their  weary 
steeds  and  the  broken  character  of  the  ground  will 
permit,  they  halt  at  mid-day  some  five  miles  distant 
from  the  foot  hills  bordering  the  range  of  mountain 
heights  within  whose  stern  fastnesses  are  encamped  the 
outlaw  band.  As  it  was  the  urgent  desire  of  Colonel 
Steele  to  take  thera  by  surprise,  it  became  a  matter  of 
necessity  to  remain  in  their  present  position  until  dark- 
ness should  have  set  in,  therein  eluding  the  observation 
of  the  wary  foe.  So  resting  until  the  sun  had  dropped 
beneath  the  distant  hill,  in  the  meantime  obtaining 
much  needed  refreshment  for  both  themselves  and 
their  weary  steeds,  they  again  set  out,  reaching  the 
bordering  heights  just  as  the  fast  gathering  gloom  of 
night  fell  upon  them. 

A  scout  was  now  sent  in  advance,  who,  after  an  hour's 
delay,  returned,  reporting  the  band  encamped  in  a  se- 
cluded dell  some  two  miles  distant.  Also  that  he  had 
been  able  to  reach  a  point  from  which  the  whole  scene 
was  brought  to  view,  and  had  even  gone  so  far  as  to 
penetrate  the  outskirts  of  the  camp.  For  from  their 
secure  position  it  was  believed  no  danger  need  be  appre- 
hended, as  none  had  at  any  previous  timic  threatened. 
So  the  band  had  neglected  the  precaution  of  posting 
outlying  sentinels,  hence  the  bold  scout  was  enabled  to 
approach  sufficiently  near  to  gain  information  regarding 
further  movements,  leading,  as  was  hoped  to  successful 
attack. 

Eemaining  at  rest  until  ten  o'clock,  horses  were  again 
saddled,  when  mounting,  the  troopers  pursued  their  way 
up  a  narrow  defile,  until  at  length  a  ruddy  glow  lighting 
the  surrounding  forest,  revealed  their  proximity  to  the 
unsuspecting  foe. 

As  the  troopers  in  close  column,  advance  slowly  and 
cautiously  upward  through  the  deep  mountain  gorge, 
whose  lofty  heights  tower  majestically  on  either  hand, 
the  gloom  is  doubly  enhanced  by  the  ever  darkeii- 
ing  shades  of  night.  No  sound  reaches  them  save  the 
sharp  footfalls  of  the  iron  shod  steeds  treading  the  rocky 


238  BATTLE    WITH    THE   GUERILLAS. 

bottom  of  the  steep  pathway,  or  the  mournful  surges 
of  the  night  winds  sighing  through  the  towering  pines, 
a  scene  of  solemn  grandeur  spreads  before  them,  awak- 
ing in  the  breast  of  each  sturdy  rider  a  sense  of  the 
approaching  peril.  Yet  they  press  onward  and  upward, 
no  thought  save  of  the  stern  duty  confronting  them, 
though  engaging  in  combat  this  band  of  outlaws  whose 
number  being  doubtless  not  less  than  their  own,  a  des- 
perate struggle  must  necessarily  ensue,  from  which  fact 
it  became  an  absolute  necessity  to  take  them  unawares. 
Yet  each  and  all  are  eager  for  the  fray. 

Again  the  scout  is  sent  ahead,  who  returning,  reports 
the  whole  band  some  fifty  in  number,  assembled  around 
a  huge  camp-fire,  smoking,  drinking,  shouting  and  in 
every  conceivable  way  having  a  hilarious  time,  little 
suspecting  ere  a  few  moments  pass,  the  scene  of  carousal 
should  have  changed  to  combat,  wounds,  mourning  and 
death. 

Colonel  Steele  now  directs  his  men  to  dismount,  sta- 
tioning a  guard  of  three  to  hold  the  horses,  in  readiness 
for  remouiiting  should  sudden  retreat  become  necessary, 
then  separating  his  band  in  equal  parts,  one  portion  to 
execute  a  flank  movement,  coming  up  from  the  rear, 
the  other  to  advance  in  front.  At  the  signal,  a  volley 
from  each  division  is  to  be  hurled  into  the  midst  of  the 
revellers,  then  they  advance  at  double  quick,  charging 
from  both  front  and  rear. 

Arrangements  having  been  perfected  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  the  commander,  and  no  less  so  to  the  battalion, 
the  flanking  party  now  made  their  way  cautiously 
under  cover  of  the  night  and  shade  of  the  heavy  forest, 
circling  round  at  some  distance  away  until  they  had 
reached  the  desired  point,  the  column  in  front  mean- 
while securing  a  favorable  position.  Suddenly  from 
out  the  forest  gloom  rang  the  shrill  notes  of  the  trumpet, 
quickly  followed  by  the  simultaneous  discharge  of  fifty 
carbines  aimed  by  unerring  eyes  and  held  by  steady 
liaiids.  The  slaughter  attending  the  volley  was  terrific, 
not  less  than  a  score  of  the  guerillas  going  down,  many 


BATTLE   WITH    THE   GUERILLAS.  239 

in  the  agonies  of  death,  others  fearfully  wounded. 
Taken  so  entirely  by  surprise,  the  utmost  confusion 
reigned  in  the  encampment.  The  outlaw  chief,  spring- 
ing to  his  feet  and  grasping  his  weapons,  called  to  his 
adherents  to  stand  firm,  who  in  compact  column 
awaited  the  onset,  which  was  not  long  delayed,  as 
Colonel  Steele  in  the  lead  charged  down  upon  them,  be- 
ing met  however  with  stout  resistance,  as  blow  followed 
blow,  while  rapid  and  well  aimed  shots  from  revolver 
and  carbine,  laid  both  trooper  and  outlaw  low! 

Thus  the  combat  raged,  little  being  gained  on  either 
side,  until  at  length  the  colonel  found  himself  face  to 
face  with  the  outlaw  chief. 

"Ha!  you  dastard!"  shouted  the  infuriated  colonel, 
"Thank  Heaven,  I  have  you  within  reach  of  my  trusty 
blade  I  Die  the  death  you  so  richly  deserve,  and  may 
God  have  mercy  on  your  soul!  Aye,  that  mercy  you 
have  ever  denied  to  others." 

Then  he  aimed  a  sturdy  blow  at  the  head  of  his  an- 
tagonist, but  the  courageous  colonel  had  made,  in  this 
instance,  the  one  mistake  of  his  life,  as  his  skill  proved 
unequal  to  his  valor,  for  Cyrus  Jones  was  no  mean 
opponent.  A  skillful  swordsman,  he  deftly  parried  the 
colonel's  weapon,  returning  the  blow  with  telling  effect. 
Thus  the  colonel  found  himself  in  a  precarious  situa- 
tion; the  blow  disabling  his  right  arm,  his  sword  fell 
from  his  hand,  and  he  was  at  the  mercy  of  the  man  he 
had  thought  so  easily  conquered.  The  guerilla,  again 
raising  his  weapon,  directed  a  blow  full  at  his  antag- 
onist. At  the  same  instant  a  form  was  seen  flying  through 
tlie  air,  interposing  itself  between  the  combatants. 
Thus  the  blow  destined  to  end  the  colonel's  existence, 
fell  upon  the  head  of  the  colored  boy  Eph,  who  in- 
stantly dropped  to  the  ground,  bleeding  and  unconscious. 

It  would  again  have  fared  hardly  with  Colonel  Steele, 
wholly  unprotected  from  the  sword  of  his  skillful  antag- 
onist, had  not  a  randon  shot  taken  effect,  striking  the 
outlaw  chief  squarely  between  the  eyes,  killing  him  in- 
stantly. 


240         BATTLE  WITH  THE  GUERILLAS. 

The  combat  up  to  this  time  had  raged  with  the  ut- 
most fury,  the  one  side  fighting  for  their  lives,  the  other 
to  rid  the  country  of  a  dastardly  foe,  and  the  recovery 
of  Nelly  from  the  hands  of  her  captors,  who  upon  wit- 
nessing the  fall  of  their  leader,  together  with  so  large  a 
number  of  their  comrades,  became  at  once  disheartened, 
beating  a  hasty  retreat,  dispersing  in  all  directions,  flee- 
ing for  their  lives,  closely  followed  by  the  victors.  Yet 
owing  to  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the  intricate  wind- 
ings of  the  tangled  forest,  of  which  the  out-laws  had  a 
much  better  knowledge,  they  finally  succeeded  in  mak- 
ing good  their  escape. 

The  wound  of  the  colonel,  not  being  considered  of 
a  serious  nature,  was  bound  up  by  his  orderly,  soon  after 
which  the  wounded  were  looked  after,  the  colonel's 
preserver,  Eph,  being  the  first  attended  to,  as  he  had  put 
nis  own  life  in  jeopardy  to  save  that  of  his  former 
master.  He  was  therefore  tenderly  borne  to  a  place  of 
safety  and  shelter,  his  wounds  carefully  dressed,  and 
the  poor  lad  made  as  comfortable  as  possible  under  ex- 
isting circumstances.  Soon  recovering  consciousness,  his 
master  inquired  if  he  knew  aught  concerning  Miss 
Nelly,  or  of  her  whereabouts. 

In  reply  the  sorely  wounded  boy,  in  a  feeble  voice, 
said,  "Missy  Nelly  am  hid  out  yonder  in  a  clump  of 
bushes,  where  I  was  set  to  guard  her,  but  upon  hearing 
de  noise  ob  de  fightin',  I'se  done  left  her  to  see  wot  de 
row  am  about,  and  I'se  jess  git  dar  in  de  nick  ob  time  to 
sabe  yo'  life,  tank  de  good  Lawd !  " 

"  Yes,  my  boy,"  replied  his  grateful  master,  "  I  have 
cause  to  thank  the  good  Lord,  and  you  my  faithful  friend 
as  well,  and  rest  assured  you  shall  not  go  unrewarded, 
for  thus  periling  your  own  existence  for  mine." 

Eph  was  now  placed  in  a  more  comfortable  position, 
as  also  a  condition  of  less  suffering,  for  the  thoughtful 
colonel  had  administered  a  powerful  opiate.  This  not 
only  tended  to  ease  the  pain  from  his  fearful  wound,  but 
also  caused  him  to  fall  into  a  deep  sleep.  Afterward 
leaving  him  in  charge  of  a  subaltern,  the  colonel  has- 


BATTLE  WITH  THE  GUERILLAS.         241 

tened  to  the  relief  of  the  suffering  maiden,  whom  he  ex- 
pected to  find  in  a  "forlorn  condition;"  but  here  again 
he  had  reckoned  without  his  host,  for  "  Missy  "  Nelly 
was  made  of  sterner  stuff.  A  few  moments'  search  re- 
vealed her-hidiug  place,  where  she  was  found  lying 
bound,  helpless  and  weak,  yet  strong  in  spirit.  When 
she  recognized  her  deliverer  in  the  person  of  her  lover, 
she  sent  up  a  cry  of  joy,  upon  thus  finding  herself  freed 
from  her  infamous  persecutor.  The  brave  girl  was  at 
once  loosed  from  her  bonds,  and  upon  learning  from  the 
colonel  the  details  and  outcome  of  the  fight,  as  also  the 
heroism  displayed  by  Eph,  who  was  now  lying  so  near 
death's  door,  she  begged  to  be  at  once  taken  to  him, 
when  she  immediately  applied  herself  staunching  the 
bloody  wounds,  as  also  binding  them  up  in  a  more 
skilled  manner,  tending  thus  in  still  greater  measure  to 
the  relief  of  his  sufferings.  At  length  awakening  from 
the  profound  slumber  occasioned  by  the  opiate,  his  eyes 
opened,  resting  on  the  kindly  face  of  his  old  plantation 
mistress.     Turning  to  Duke,  he  said  : 

"  Massa,  Captin,  dis  po  darkey  don  sabe  yo  life,  and 
hees  guwin  to  die,  guyin  to  Glory,  long  o  Massa  Tom," 

Taking  his  hand,  the  Colonel  replied,  in  cheery  tones  : 

"  No,  no,  my  boy.  You  are  neither  going  to  die,  nor 
to  Glory  just  yet.  For  we  are  doing  all  we  can  for  you, 
and  by  the  blessing  of  God,  the  help  of  your  old  Master 
and  the  skill  and  loving  care  of  "  Missey  "  Nelly,  we'll 
bring  you  round  all  right.  So  don't  talk  of  dying.  For 
you  know  you're  healthy  and  stout,  besides  there's  too 
much  to  be  accomplished  in  the  world,  not  forgetting 
the  cause  about  which  we  are  fighting,  and  in  which  you 
have  played  no  insignificant  part,  and  my  boy,  we  have 
still  much  need  for  your  services.  So  keep  up  good 
courage,  try  to  get  well  as  soon  as  possible,  and  rest  as- 
sured I  shall  never  forget  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for 
my  hfe." 

By  means  of  these  kindly  words,  the  colonel  sought  to 
infuse  new  life  in  the  weak,  feeble  frame  and  exhausted 
ipirit  of  his  suffering  patient,  and  with  the  most  gratify- 
15 


242  BATTLE   WITH   THE   GUERILLAS. 

ing  results ;  for  from  this  time  on,  the  sorely  stricken  lad 
improved  more  rapidly  than  could  have  been  expected, 
and  was  never  more  happy  than  in  receiving  the  atten- 
tions of  his  devoted  friends,  who  watched  over  him  by 
night  and  by  day.  Yet  there  seemed  meanwhile  some 
weighty  matter  pressiog  on  his  mind,  which  was  unbur- 
dened one  day  by  his  saying: 

"  Massa  Captiu,  I  don  berry  sorry  I  desarted  yo  an 
will  neva  do  so  no  mo.     Will  you  forgive  me,  sah  ?  " 

Now  all  this  time  the  mind  of  the  colonel  had  been 
greatly  exercised  in  the  attempt  to  understand  how  his 
old  servant  Eph  came  to  be  connected  with  the  Cyrus 
Jones  gang.  So  a  few  days  later,  when  Eph  was  suffi- 
ciently recovered  to  be  able  to  converse  with  little  seem- 
ing difficulty,  he  broached  the  subject,  desiring  an  ex- 
planation. From  which  it  seems  that  in  Eph's  attempt 
to  escape  to  the  Union  lines,  for  the  purpose  of  exposing 
the  spy,  Carrie  Foster,  he  had  been  picked  up  in  one  of 
the  nocturnal  raids  of  the  guerillas,  and  taken  to  their 
headquarters  in  the  mountains,  the  chief  thinking  he 
had  come  in  possession  of  a  valuable  addition  to  his 
corps  of  culinary  assistants.  For  the  boy  was  an  excel- 
lent cook,  a  good  bootblack  and  a  thoroughly  compe- 
tent uniform  duster,  and  as  things  had  turned  out,  a  no 
less  valuable  acquisition  to  his  former  master,  in  so  op- 
portunely  appearing  to  save  his  life.  Thus  both  the 
colonel  and  Nelly  fully  appreciated  the  boys'  faithful 
devotion  in  nearly  sacrificing  his  own  life  for  his  master, 
so  it  was  natural  they  should  mutually  agree  not  only 
to  ever  after  retain  him  in  their  service,  but  also  treat 
him  as  an  equal. 

At  the  close  of  the  battle,  the  casualties  of  the  cav- 
alry were  found  to  be  quite  severe ;  no  less  than  six  of 
the  number  had  been  killed  outright,  while  several  were 
severely  wounded,  so  it  was  deemed  best  to  establish  a 
field  hospital  near  the  battle  ground  until  such  time  as 
they  would  have  recovered  sufficiently  to  be  moved  to 
the  village  some  thirty  miles  distant,  a  large  portion  of 
the  way  over  rough  mountain  roads. 


BATTLE   WITH   THE   GUEEILLAS.  243 

The  supplies  of  the  camp  were  believed  to  be  ample 
for  several  weeks'  subsistence,  and  there  were  also  a 
number  of  tents  and  the  usual  camp  equipage,  and  upon 
more  extended  search,  a  large  store  of  provisions  was 
found  secreted  in  a  cavern  near  by. 

The  most  serious  consideration  following  the  taking 
care  of  the  wouaded,  thus  making  them  as  comfortable 
as  possible,  was  that  of  interring  the  dead.  In  the 
meantime  the  services  of  a  skillful  surgeon  must  be 
procured,  so  a  messenger  was  forthwith  dispatched  to 
Oxford  with  instructions  to  forward  one  at  the  earliest 
possible  moment. 

These  affairs  attended  to,  the  camp  was  put  in  proper 
shape  for  a  prolonged  stay,  and  as  there  might  be  a 
possibility  of  the  guerillas  returning  with  a  largely 
augumented  force,  thence  falling  on  the  cavalry  in  the 
effort  to  regain  tlieir  lost  possessions,  the  entire  troops 
were  retained,  save  six  of  the  number,  who  returned  to 
army  headquarters,  there  to  report  to  General  Stuart, 
informing  him  as  to  the  situation.  On  the  affair  being 
reported  to  the  commander-in-chief,  Colonel  Steele 
was  immediately  recommended  to  promotion  for  gal- 
lant services,  and  upon  his  return,  he  was  placed  in 
possession  of  a  commission,  addressed,  '' Brigadier-gen- 
eral Duke  Steele." 

Two  weeks  now  passed,  the  colonel,  assisted  by 
Nelly,  giving  his  undivided  attention  to  the  care  of  the 
wounded,  who,  thanks  to  the  bracing  mountain  air, 
were  now  in  a  convalescent  state. 

Eph,  the  most  severely  wounded,  though  a  poor  colored 
boy,  had  been  the  recipient  of  every  possible  attention 
from  his  friends,  who  vied  in  their  efforts  looking  to  his 
comfort  and  speedy  recovery,  and  who  were  equally 
agreed  that  he  should  hereafter  be  a  worthy  member  of 
the  household,  for  without  him  the  colonel  would  un- 
doubtedly have  met  his  fate,  therefore  no  effort  should 
be  wanting  in  future  to  prove  their  gratitude. 

Another  matter  for  congratulation  lay  in  the  fact  that 
the  lovers  had  now  arrived  at  a  fair  understanding  in 


244  BATTLE   WITH   THE   GUERILLAS. 

regard  to  affairs  of  the  heart,  nothing  now  seeming  to 
stand  in  the  way  of  tlieir  mutual  happiness.  Yet  the 
greatest  surprise  of  all  to  the  colonel  was  when  Nelly 
told  him  of  a  letter  received  from  Carrie  Foster,  detail- 
ing a  conversation  held  with  one  of  the  marines  on 
board  the  Black  Eagle  who  had  told  her  of  Herman's 
exile.  This  man  had,  after  leaving  his  ship,  joined  the 
Confederate  army  and  met  the  beautiful  spy.  From 
this  letter,  Duke  Steele  now  for  the  first  time  became 
aware  of  the  situation  of  Nelly's  brother  as  an  inhabit- 
ant of  a  remote  island  in  the  Southern  seas.  Yet  both 
rejoiced  that  he  seemed  to  be  in  a  fairly  comfortable 
condition,  nothing  doubting  he  would  be  restored  to  them 
through  some  vessel  sailing  in  those  distant  seas,  for 
they  could  not  well  be  aware  of  the  fact  that  these 
islands  lay  far  from  the  route  of  ocean  navigation. 

Four  weeks  have  elapsed  since  the  battle,  the  time 
passing  pleasantly  in  the  guerilla's  former  stronghold, 
most  of  the  wounded  meanwhile  nearly  recovered  from 
their  severe  hurts,  while  all  were  in  a  condition  to  be 
removed  to  Oxford.  Therefore  measures  being  inaugu- 
rated and  successfully  carried  out,  we  find  them  in  com- 
fortable quarters  in  several  of  the  houses  generously 
thrown  open  to  them,  where  they  were  now  receiving 
all  needful  attention.  As  the  duties  of  Colonel  Steele 
to  his  regiment  now  seemed  imperative,  and  his  presence 
necessary,  word  having  been  sent  him  to  that  effect,  he 
took  his  departure,  leaving  a  sufficient  number  of  his 
troop  to  guard  not  only  the  wounded  soldiers,  but  the 
citizens  as  well,  from  surprise  and  attack  of  the  gueril- 
las, who  might  at  any  moment  swoop  down  upon  them, 
as  they  had  previously  done.  Furthermore,  enraged  from 
their  late  overwhelming  defeat,  they  would  spare  neither 
age  nor  sex  from  their  unholy  and  lawless  acts,  so  the 
colonel  now  determined  that  his  friends  should  in  the 
future  be  fully  protected,  to  which  end  a  dispatch  was 
sent  to  headquarters  ordering  a  body  of  twenty-five 
mounted  men,  together  with  a  piece  of  light  artiler^'^,  to 
be   forwarded  without  loss  of  time,  accompanied  with 


GENERAL   QRANT's  CAMPAIGN.  2-io 

instructions  that  in  the  event  of  a  raid,  the  renegades 
were  to  be  shot  down  indiscriminately,  and  no  prisoners 
taken,  the  colonel  believing  this  the  only  method  of 
deterring  the  scoundrels  from  future  depredations  and 
performing  acts  disgraceful  even  to  a  savage  community. 
Bidding  his  mother,  Nelly  and  his  disabled  comrades 
good-bye,  he  set  out  on  his  journey  to  the  army,  where 
he  arrived  in  due  time,  securing  the  congratulations  of 
both  General  Stuart  and  the  commander-in-chief,  on 
his  late  victory,  also  an  enthusiastic  reception  from  the 
regiment  he  was  soon  to  leave  to  take  command  of  the 
brigade  to  which  he  had  been  commissioned  during  his 
absence. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

GENERAL  GRANT'S  CAMPAIGN. 

BOTH  armies  had  been  quietly  lying  in  winter  quarters 
for  several  months,  the  Federals  under  their  new 
commander,  General  Grant,  in  active  preparations  for  again 
taking  the  field,  thousands  of  fresh  recruits  having  been 
added  during  the  winter  to  fill  vacancies  occasioned  by 
losses  in  serious  campaigns.  Meantime,  owing  to  the 
fruitless  endeavors  of  Eph  to  reach  the  Union  lines, 
mainly  owing  to  his  having  been  captured  by  the 
guerillas,  under  Cyrus  Jones,  the  spy,  Carrie  Foster, 
continued  her  nefarious  calling  undiscovered,  performing 
her  daily  duties  to  the  ultimate  injury  of  the  Federals. 
Meanwhile,  Cyril  Blanchard,  quite  recovered  from  the 
serious  injuries  received  at  Chancellorsville,  had  taken 
his  accustomed  place  in  his  regiment  now  under  another 
leader.  That  it  galled  his  suspicious,  sensitive  nature, 
beyond  measure,  to  find  his  mortal  enemy,  Duke  Steele, 
rising  so  rapidly  in  the  scale  of  promotion,  was  without 
question.  That  the  former  obscure  government  clerk, 
the  sou  of  a  poor,  hard-working  Virginia  widow,  should 


246  GENERAL   GRANT's   CAMPATGIT. 

reach  this  exhalted  station,  while  he  the  high  born  rep- 
resentative of  one  of  the  most  widely-known,  wealthy, 
aristocratic  families  of  Montgomery,  still  remained 
in  the  position  of  a  subaltern,  was  a  thought  not  easily 
borne,  and  now  as  a  crowning  indignity,  his  enemy  had 
been  raised  to  the  second  highest  grade  in  the  cavalry 
division  of  the  army  of  Northern  Virginia, 

Carrie  Foster,  also,  now  began  to  look  with  longing 
eyes  on  her  old  lover,  who  from  rapid  advancement, 
continued  to  acquire  added  favor  in  her  sight,  and 
should  she  now  disclose  her  identity,  then  seek  to  re- 
gain her  former  place  in  his  affections,  might  she  not 
once  more,  she  argued,  bring  him  within  the  power  of 
her  magic  charms?  Thus  reasoning  she  resolved  to 
make  the  attempt. 

Encountering  Duke  Steele  one  morning,  when  riding 
about  the  camp  on  her  daily  visit  to  the  field  hospitals, 
she  suddenly  lifted  the  close  fitting  veil,  exposing  her 
face  to  the  gaze  of  the  astonished  General,  at  the  same 
time  extending  a  small  delicately  gloved  hand,  accom- 
panied by  the  remark,  "General  Steele,  how  do  you 
do  ?  I  am  really  glad  to  meet  and  congratulate  you  on 
your  recent  high  appointment." 

The  general  took  the  proffered  hand,  though,  as  she 
thought,  in  a  not  overly  affectionate  manner,  and  re- 
plied : 

'•  Miss  Foster,  I  thank  you  for  the  kind  interest  you 
seem  to  take  in  my  good  fortune.  While  often  noticing 
you  riding  about  the  camp,  attending  to  the  sick  and 
wounded,  I  have  never  hitherto  suspected  your  identity, 
or  that  you  were  other  than  you  seemed.  At  the  same 
time  I  supposed  you  were  at  your  home,  and  it  is  only 
of  late  I  have  become  cognizant  of  the  fact  that  you 
were  the  young  lady  in  question,  who  has  rendered  such 
important  services,  in  addition  to  your  other  duties,  to 
the  Confederate  cause.  However,  I  must  say,  with  all 
due  deference  to  the  daugliter  of  Judge  Foster,  that  I 
can  scarcely  approve  of  one  in  your  position,  a  lady 
of  refinement,  high  social  standing,    and  of  one  of  the 


GENERAL  GRANT's  CAMPAIGN.         247 

proudest  cities  of  Alabama,  thus  exposing  yourself  to 
the  rough,  rude  life  of  camp.  Yet  I  am  also  well  aware 
it  is  not  my  province  to  advise  you  in  any  manner  what- 
ever as  to  the  course  you  may  chose  to  pursue,  or  affairs 
in  which  you  may  consider  it  your  duty  to  engage,  as 
naturally  your  own  good  judgment,  as  also  the  advice  of 
your  father,  must  be  your  guide.  I  bid  you  good-morn- 
ing. Miss  Foster." 

Then  turning,  he  went  his  wa;y. 

"Ah  I  ha!  This  is  the  way  the  land  lies,  is  it,  my 
conceited  friend!"  soliloquised  the  young  lady,  as  re- 
maining motionless  in  the  saddle,  she  watched  the  form 
of  her  discarded  lover  pass  from  her  sight.  "  This  pro- 
motion of  the  young  man  seems  to  have  given  him  '  the 
big  head,'  so  to  speak.  Can't  stoop  so  low  as  to  recog- 
nize one  for  whom  he  was  once  ready,  aye,  and  only  too 
willing  to  go  down  on  his  knees  to  serve,  or  to  even  win 
a  single  look  of  affection.  However,  I'll  bring  his  high- 
ness to  terms.  No  one  need  fear  for  Carrie  Foster,  and 
before  many  days  shall  have  elapsed,  he  will  humble 
himself  to  me,  yes  at  my  feet,  proud  as  he  is  in  his  newly 
acquired  dignity,  the  haughty  coxcomb." 

Yet  the  true  facts  in  the  case  were  that  Duke  Steele 
really  feared  the  consequences  should  he  again  be  brought 
to  face  and  dally  with  the  charms  of  the  fair  enchant- 
ress. For  as  he  had  once  fallen  under  their  power,  be- 
lieving he  loved  her  with  an  intensity  of  devotion 
natural  to  one  of  his  susceptible  nature,  he  dared  not 
again  tempt  fate  in  a  like  manner.  That  he  once  loved 
the  fair  maiden,  he  was  fain  to  admit,  and  beauty 
allied  to  the  self-sacrificing  courage  of  Carrie  Foster,  he 
well  knew,  was  at  all  times  dangerous.  This  then,  was 
the  main  cause  leading  him  to  turn  so  abruptly  from  the 
presence  of  the  young  spy,  and  it  would  have  been  well 
in  after  times  for  both,  had  she  understood  the  actual 
facts  of  the  case.  Yet  not  so  understanding,  she  set  on 
foot  schemes  for  revenge.  For  her  to  plan  was  to  exe- 
cute, and  she  at  once  evolved  measures  tending  to  his 
injury,  if  not  to  his  downfall. 


248         GENERAL  GRANT'S  CAMPAIGN. 

Nearly  nine  months  had  now  dragged  their  weary 
way  along  since  any  general  engagement  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac,  and  more  than  seven  months  since  the 
Southern  division  of  the  Union  army  had  struck  a 
blow.  Certainly  a  long  period  of  delay,  and  it  was  little 
wonder  that  the  nation  was  becoming  despondent,  when 
such  enormous  expenses  were  being  incurred  with  noth- 
ing to  show  for  the  outlay.  A  long  suffering  people 
truly  I  Yet  could  they  now  but  feel  that  something  de- 
cisive was  to  result  froni  the  extensive  preparations  be- 
ing made,  the  past  would  be  forgotten  in  the  enthusi- 
astic expectations  of  the  future.  Consequently,  the 
work  of  re-organizing  and  concentration,  taken  in  hand 
and  vigorously  pushed  by  General  Grant,  was  contem- 
plated with  general  satisfaction  by  those  who  were  so 
cast  down,  more  especiallj'  when  it  was  understood  that 
a  simultaneous  movement  of  all  the  armies  was  being 
arranged.  As  the  first  move  in  this  direction,  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac  was  consolidated  into  three  corps,  each 
forty  thousand  strong,  under  command  of  Generals  Han- 
cock, Warren  and  Sedge  wick,  the  cavalry  force  being 
under  General  Sheridan.  Another  corps,  composed 
wholly  of  colored  troops,  the  Ninth,  under  the  command 
of  General  Burnside,  was  also  moved  to  the  front  and 
consolidated  with  the  three  former  corps.  In  addition 
to  this  large  force,  numbering  in  the  aggregate  one  hun- 
dren  and  sixty  thousand  men,  most  of  whom  had  served 
under  Generals  Mc  Dowell,  Mc  Clellan,  Pope,  Burnside, 
Hooker,  Meade  and  others,  and  who  were  now  to  ad- 
vance on  Richmond  by  the  most  direct  route  possible, 
there  were  other  detachments,  numbering  thirty  thou- 
sand horse,  foot  and  artillery.  Again  a  large  force  under 
General  Butler  were  to  march  on,  and,  if  possible  seize 
Petersburg.  Thus  the  renowned  commander-in-chief 
had  under  his  command  an  enormous  body  of  two  hun- 
dred thousand  troops  in  perfect  trim  for  hard  work, 
.  which  under  his  energetic  lead,  would,  without  the  shadow 
of  a  doubt,  be  fully  experienced. 

The  Confederate  Array  of  Northern  Virginia,  under 


GENERAL  GBANT's  CAMPAIGN.         249 

General  Lee,  was  also  making  preparations  for  this,  the 
final  struggle.  Every  able-bodied  man,  both  young  and 
old,  was  pressed  into  the  service.  The  daily  avocations 
of  life  were  in  a  great  measure  suspended ;  the  large 
and  hitherto  flourishing  plantations  left  uncultivated, 
except  perhaps  in  those  secluded  portions  not  yet  in- 
vaded, and  from  which  the  supplies  of  the  armies  were 
mainly  drawn. 

The  aim  sought  by  the  Federal  commander-in-chief 
was  evidently  to  cut  off  communications  with  these 
fertile  regions,  not  only  this,  but  to  utterly  destroy  them, 
his  subsequent  movements  confirming  this  policy.  In 
the  meantime  each  contemplated  movement  was  im- 
mediately made  known  to  the  Confederate  chief.  No 
matter  how  much  secrecy  was  observed,  nor  how 
successfully  combinations  were  effected,  General  Lee  was 
at  once  apprised  of  them.  Was  the  devil  in  league  with 
this  great  commander?  Else  how  could  these  facts  so 
quickly  become  known?  A  conundrum,  which  neither 
General  Grant  nor  his  corps  commanders  were  able  to 
solve. 

The  plan  of  campaign  adopted  by  the  Federal  chief, 
after  thoroughly  canvassing  the  situation,  was  to  move 
in  a  south-westerly  direction,  thinking  to  flank  General 
Lee,  who  in  his  strongly  entrenched  position  at  Orange 
Court  House,  would  make  a  direct  attack  impracticable. 
Here  again  was  seen  the  handiwork  of  the  indefatigable 
spy,  Carrie  Foster,  for  the  route  so  skilfully  planned  by 
General  Grant,  secretly,  as  was  believed,  was  well-known 
to  General  Lee  in  advance  of  its  contemplated  execution, 
and  preparations  arranged  to  meet  it. 

Every  movement  of  the  Federal  army,  every  con- 
templated move,  even  was  at  once  reported  to  General 
Lee,  whereat  General  Grant,  as  also  his  corps  command- 
ers, were  at  their  wits  end  to  understand  or  locate  the 
source  of  information,  so  speedily  made  known  to  the 
enemy. 


^50  AFTER  SIX  DAYS. 


CHAPTER  XXXYII. 

AFTER  SIX   DAYS, 

THE  6tli  day  of  May  had  now  arrived,  the  warm 
beams  of  the  rising  sun  looking  down  on  this 
beautiful  May  morning  on  a  field  of  three  days'  continu- 
ous hard  fighting,  where  thousands  of  brave  men  had 
fallen,  the  parched  brown  earth  eagerly  taking  up  this 
warm  life  blood,  their  last  sigh,  "  Would  that  I  had 
another  life  to  give  to  my  country."  Thus  brave  in  life, 
death  found  them  no  less  so. 

The  policy  of  General  Grant  at  the  outset  of  his 
military  career,  inaugurated  and  usually  successfully 
carried  out,  was,  that  when  once  getting  a  hold,  never  to 
let  up  so  long  as  there  remained  the  most  remote  hojie 
of  retaining  it,  believing,  as  he  one  time  remarked, 
"The  Federal  commanders  don't  fight  their  battles  out." 
Oq  the  contrary  his  aim  was  to  fight  to  a  finish. 

Accordingly  the  contest  was  to  be  again  resumed, 
with  orders  to  attack  as  early  in  the  morning  as  possible, 
therefore  the  command  was  given  to  advance  at  five 
o'clock,  expecting  to  take  the  enemy  by  surprise.  So 
General  Sedgewick  at  this  hour  moved  his  columns  to 
the  front,  yet  ere  they  had  taken  position.  General  Long- 
street  was  upon  them. 

It  seems  that  about  midnight,  a  corporal  of  the  guard, 
stationed  at  an  out  lying  outpost,  when  going  his 
rounds,  perceived  a  sentinel  skulking  in  a  clump  of 
bushes  hard  by.  Calling  to  him  to  know  for  what  reason 
he  had  deserted  his  post,  the  sentinel  replied  in  a  fright- 
ened voice, 

"  Whist,  Corporal,  it's  a  spirit." 

"What's  a  spirit,  Pat?" 

"  Faix,  your  honor,  a  spirit  all  in  white,"  and  Pat  came 


AFTER   SIX   DAYS.  25l 

forth  from  cover,  trembling  in  every  limb,  and  with  a 
voice  so  shaken  as  to  be  scarcely  inteUigible.  "  I  seen  it," 
says  Pat,  "  a  coomin  from  beyant  the  General's  quarters, 
a  crapin  through  the  bushes,  an  me  hart  stopped  a  batin 
loike.  Och !  Your  honor,  I'm  a  did  mon,  the  spirit 
coomed  to  warn  me,"  and  little  did  Patrick  O'Shauglmessy 
drame  he  was  going  to  be  kilt  loike  this  ontoirely.  Holy 
mither  of  St.  Patrick,  I'm  a  did  mon." 

In  a  number  of  late  engagements  General  Steele  had 
narrowly  escaped  with  his  life  from  shots  fired  in  his 
rear,  a  fact  for  which  he  could  easily  account,  as  he  well 
knew  a  member  of  his  own  command  was  at  the  bottom, 
seeking  to  play  the  roll  of  assassin.  While  his  suspi- 
cions were  fully  aroused,  it  was  deemed  the  wiser  course 
to  abstain  from  letting  them  be  known,  or  to  enter  pro- 
test, anyhow,  for  the  time  being. 

About  this  time  the  Ninth  corps  was  ordered  to  move 
on  the  Chancellorsville  road,  to  which  was  afterwards  at- 
tached the  corps  of  General  Warren,  and  nearly  at  the 
same  time,  the  Confederate  corps  of  General  Lougstreet 
moved  to  intercept  them.  The  face  of  the  country, 
along  which  the  columns  were  marching,  was  quite  roll- 
ing, interspersed  with  scattering  groves  of  stunted  cedar 
and  pine.  The  several  forces  liere  meeting,  an  engage- 
ment took  place  lasting  for  nearly  three  hours,  when  the 
Federals,  receiving  heavy  reinforcements,  the  Confederates 
were  compelled  to  fall  back,  driven  from  their  chosen 
position,  the  loss  of  Federal  officers  being  unusually 
heavy.  The  4th  Michigan  returned  commanded  by  a 
lieutenant  and  the  1st  Michigan,  which  went  into  the 
action  two  hundred  strong,  came  out  with  only  thirty-five 
uninjured. 

Six  days  had  now  elapsed  since  the  commencement  of 
this  series  of  hotly  contested  battles,  and  what  the  out- 
come would  be,  should  they  be  much  further  prolonged, 
none  could  tell.  It  had  the  ap])earance  of  a  re-enactment 
of  the  Killkenny  Cat  tragedy,  "  nothing  left  but  the 
tails,"  and  scarcely  enough  of  those  feline  appendages 
intact  to  be  worth  the  recording.  Studying  the  situation, 


252  AFTER  SIX   DAYS. 

General  Grant  at  length  came  to  the  sage  conclusion  that 
hereafter  his  orders  to  corps  commanders  should  be 
transmitted  through  a  different  channel.  "  For,"  he  ar- 
gued, *'  may  there  not  be  a  traitor  among  my  aids-de- 
camp ?  Else  how  is  it  possible  for  the  enemy  to  become 
apprised  of  my  every  move,  thus  prepared  to  meet 
and  checkmate  my  advances  ?  " 

To  this  end,  he  summoned  to  headquarters,  the  simple- 
minded  and  evidently  innocent  hospital  nurse,  to  whom 
he  broached  the  subject  by  saying : 

"  Miss  Foster  I  recognize  in  j^ou  one  who  has  done 
our  people  much  service  in  so  generously  caring  for  our 
poor  wounded,  suffering  soldiers,  and  as  you  have  shown 
so  much  evident  loyalty  to  them  and  patriotism  for  your 
country,  I  now  desire  to  employ  you  in  another  branch 
of  the  service,  and  one  which  I've  no  doubt  will  prove 
as  well  pleasing  as  the  other.  You  have  no  doubt 
noticed,  Miss  Foster,  that  by  some  unknown  means.  Gen- 
eral Lee  is  informed  of  our  movements  in  advance  of 
their  execution,  and  as  I've  at  all  times  endeavored  to 
maintain  the  utmost  secrecy,  notably  about  the  last  ad- 
vance ordered,  in  which  I  indulged  the  expectation  of 
taking  the  enemy  by  surprise,  yet  which  was  fully  under- 
stood by  the  Confederate  chief,  I  am  convinced  we  have 
a  traitor  in  our  midst,  but  who  that  person  may  be,  is 
beyond  my  comprehension.  Now  Miss  Foster,  what  I 
propose  is  this:  I  will  empower  you,  at  least  for  a  time, 
to  transmit  all  open  orders,  and  secret  ones,  as  well,  to 
my  corps  commanders  in  the  field.  In  the  meantime 
keep  your  own  counsel.  I  trust  in  this  manner  to  check- 
mate the  renowned  General  Lee  at  his  own  game;  at  the 
same  time  I  am  well  aware  that  I  am  placing  an  unwar- 
ranted degree  of  responsibility  upon  you ;  still  I  believe 
from  what  I've  seen  of  you  in  the  past,  you  will  be  quite 
able  to  bear  it.  How  does  this  arrangement  suit  you, 
Miss  Foster  ?  " 

"  Most  admirably,  General,  as  I  can  conceive  of  no 
way  in  which  to  bettter  serve  the  cause  in  which  I  am 
laboring;     You  have,  General,  reverted  to  my  loyalty  to 


AFTER   SIX   DATS.  258 

the  soldiers  and  patriotism  to  my  country,  both  of  which 
I  can  assure  you  I  have  at  heart,  at  the  same  time  both 
shall  be  equally  displayed  in  the  service  you  suggest. 
Yes,  General,  place  upon  me  any  burden  you  choose, 
and  my  one  desire  sliall  be  to  meet  your  approbation." 

The  young  traitress  said  this  looking  General  Grant 
squarely  in  the  face,  who  on  his  part  believed  he  had 
never  before  looked  on  a  fairer  type  of  female  loveliness, 
and  well  he  might  think  so,  at  the  same  time  it  would 
have  been  well  bad  he  known  how  false. 

As  for  herself,  the  young  spy  mentally  soliloquized, 
"Ah,  General,  with  all  your  reported  shrewdness,  you've 
at  last  m,et  your  match !  I  said  I  was  imbued  with 
loyalty,  and  overflowing  with  love  for  my  country,  yet  I 
didn't  say  which  part,  and  that  I  would  carry  forward 
your  designs,  yet  I  didn't  say  for  whose  benefit.  Ha! 
ha !  General,  two  can  play  at  the  same  game.  It's  bet- 
ter, however,  I  think  for  you,  they  shouldn't  be  at  cross 
purposes." 

"  Now,"  said  the  general,  seating  himself  on  a  some- 
what ancient  camp  stool,  "  this  affair  so  happily  settled, 
as  I  trust  to  our  mutual  satisfaction,  we  will  commence 
operations  at  once." 

Then  opening  his  desk,  he  took  therefrom  writing 
materials  and  penned  a  few  lines  which  he  handed  to  the 
spy  with  the  remark  : 

"  I  would  like  you  to  carry  this  to  General  Sedgewick. 
You  will  find  him  probably  some  two  miles  out  on  the 
Chancellorsville  turnpike." 

Placing  the  dispatch  in  a  reticule  hanging  at  her  side, 
then  bidding  the  general  good-morning,  she  mounted  her 
horse  and  rode  swiftly  away  until  at  length  reaching  a 
secluded  place  in  the  midst  of  a  thick  piece  of  wood,  she 
drew  pencil  and  paper  from  her  pocket,  quickly  copied 
the  note,  which  immediately  disappeared  within  a  secret 
fold  of  her  dress,  then  resumed  her  journey. 

Nearing  the  vicinity  of  General  Sedgewick's  lines,  she 
was  horrified  upon  meeting  an  orderly  riding  in  hot  haste 
to  notify  General  Gran.t  of  the  death  of  the  noted  gen- 


254  AFTER  SIX   DAYS. 

era!  to  wliom  she  was  bearing  the  dispatch,  the  occur- 
rence taking  place  while  in  the  act  of  superintending  the 
mounting  of  a  batter}",  he  being  the  victim  of  a  Confed- 
erate sharpshooter  stationed  in  a  treetop  some  distance 
away.  The  command  then  devolved  upon  General 
Wright,  whom  the  spy  sought  upon  learning  the  facts  of 
the  case,  handing  bim  the  dispatch  intended  for  General 
Sedgewick ;  then  hastened  to  General  Lee,  placing  in  his 
hand  the  copy. 

A  few  hours  subsequent  to  the  death  of  General 
Sedgewick,  another  advance  was  ordered  along  the 
whole  line,  the  right  wing  in  the  lead. 

Carrie  Foster,  now  a  secret  messenger  of  General 
Grant,  had  by  him  been  intrusted  with  the  dispatch  or- 
dering the  advance  of  the  entire  force,  and  as  in  the 
former  case,  notified  General  Lee  in  time  for  him  to 
make  adequate'  preparations  to  meet  and  check  it, 
therefore  when  the  engagement  took  place,  in  which 
both  infantry  and  artillery  were  employed,  the  Confed- 
erates held  the  ground,  inflicting  severe  loss  on  the  Fed- 
eral lines. 

The  following  day,  the  10th  of  May,  was  fought  the 
fiercest  battle  of  the  campaign,  the  lines  occupying 
nearly  the  same  ground  and  position  as  on  the  preced- 
ing Monday. 

The  Ninth  Corps  of  colored  troops  were  now  for  the  first 
time  brought  into  action  on  the  extreme  left  of  the 
Confederate  lines,  the  Fifth  Corps,  in  conjunction  with  the 
divisions  of  Barney  and  Gibbon,  on  the  centre,  when 
rapidly  charging  the  Confederates  with  cold  steel, 
fighting  hand  to  hand,  they  were  at  length  driven  from 
their  long  line  of  pits. 

The  Federal  commander  having  got  his  blood  up  to 
red  heat,  was  now  for  a  verity  "pushing  things,"  and 
having  secured  a  foot-hold,  proposed  to  maintain  it, 
fighting  to  the  bitter  end,  a  fact  which  now  began  to 
dawn  on  the  mind  of  General  Lee,  whereas  in  previous 
engagements  under  other  commanders,  he  had  found  a 
bold  front  conducing  to  his  best  interests.    Still  employ- 


AFTER   SIX   DAYS.  265 

ing  every  means  in  his  power  to  sustain  his  ground  and 
maintain  his  lines,  he  found  it  a  more  difficult  matter, 
when  opposed  by  a  commander  who  determined  to  push 
boldly  on,  holding  the  ground  wherever  in  the  least  de- 
gree tenable.  In  a  word.  General  Lee  began  to  compre- 
hend the  meaning  of  the  words  previously  used  by  Gen- 
eral Grant,  when  he  averred,  "The  generals  don't  fight 
their  battles  out." 

Again  another  day  was  closing,  the  shades  of  night 
drawing  nigh,  things,  doubtless  somewhat  in  favor  of  the 
Federals,  when  a  most  vigorous  and  determined  assault 
was  made  along  the  entire  Federal  front,  and  notwith- 
standing a  withering  fire,  they  succeeded  in  scaling  the 
walls  of  the  enemy's  works,  taking  one  thousand  pris- 
oners, then  falling  back  to  their  former  position,  when 
night  closed  in,  hiding  in  its  darkening  shadows  a  terri- 
bly bloody  though  undecisive  field,  the  Federals  having 
lost  nearly  twenty  thousand.     Surely  a  sad  spectacle. 

At  the  close  of  this  eventful  day.  General  Grant  sent 
to  the  President  the  following  memorable  dispatch  : 

"  We  have  nearly  ended  the  sixth  day  of  very  hard 
fighting,  with  results  very  much  in  our  favor.  Our 
losses  have  been  heavy,  as  well  as  those  of  the  enemy. 
I  think  the  loss  of  the  enemy  must  be  greater.  We 
have  taken  over  five  thousand  prisoners  in  battle,  while 
he  has  taken  few  from  us,  except  stragglers,  I  propose 
to  fight  it  out  on  this  line  if  it  takes  all  summer." 

Since  the  commencement  of  this  sanguinary  cam- 
paign, no  rain  had  fallen,  and  the  atmosphere  being  ex- 
ceedingly dry  and  suffocating,  proved  a  great  hardship, 
especially  to  the  wounded,  but  during  the  afternoon  of 
the  11th  of  May,  a  heavy  rain  set  in,  producing  a  won- 
derful revivifying  effect,  and  to  swell  the  enthusiasm, 
word  was  brought  that  General  Sheridan  had  accom- 
plished a  successful  raid  against  the  enemy's  out-posts, 
twice  falling  in  with  the  Confederate  horse  under  Gen- 
eral Stuart,  who  was  threatening  Chaucellorsville  and 


256  CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   BOAT. 

Fredericksburg  where  were  packed  the  Federal  baggage 
and  ambulance  trains.  Moving  his  columns  toward 
Fredericksburg,  General  Sheridan  had  passed  entirely 
round  the  Confederate  right  capturing  a  train  of  cars 
filled  with  four  hundred  wounded  Union  prisoners;  mean- 
time destroying  two  locomotives,  three  heavy  trains,  and 
in  addition  tearing  up  the  railway  track  for  a  distance 
of  eight  miles,  while  about  the  same  time  a  division  of 
cavalry,  under  General  Custer  entered  the  outlying  de- 
fenses of  the  Confederate  capital,  capturing  one  hundred 
prisoners  and  a  battery  of  light  artillery. 

In  this  latter  engagement,  the  celebrated  cavalry 
leader,  General  Stuart,  fell  mortally  wounded,  by  which 
the  Confederacy  suffered  a  loss  equal  to  the  Federals,  in 
the  death  of  General  Sedgewick,  as  General  Stuart  was 
the  head  and  front  of  the  Confederate  cavalry.  The 
command  now  devolved  upon  General  Duke  Steele,  he 
being  at ;  this  time  the  senior  brigadier.  So  we  now 
find  our  old  friend  raised  to  one  of  the  most  important 
and  lofty  positions  in  the  Confederate  army. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII, 

CONSTRUCTION   OF  A   BOAT. 

IT  will  be  remembered  that  when  we  last  took  leave 
of  the  Islanders  near  the  commencement  of  the  tropi- 
cal winter,  the  subject  under  consideration  was  the  con- 
struction of  a  boat. 

The  first  thing  in  order  to  be  decided  was  the  form, 
size  and  material.  For  the  first  two,  Herman  sketched 
a  plan,  in  which  the  little  vessel  was  to  be  thirty  feet  in 
length,  three  beam  and  two  and  one-half  in  depth,  then 
handing  the  drawing  to  the  captain,  he  asked  his  opin- 
ion. 

"Admirable  !  "  exclaimed  he,  after  carefully  examin- 
ing it.     "Nothing  could  be  better." 


CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   BOAT.  257 

This  decided,  nothing  now  remained  to  consider  save 
the  material.  There  was  but  one  kind  to  which  they 
had  access,  that  of  wood.  Still  it  was  important  this 
should  be  as  light  as  possible.  So  they  set  out  for  the 
forest,  strolling  about  aimlessly  until  at  length  the  cap- 
tain made  the  discovery  of  a  tree,  which,  he  averred, 
was  just  the  thing.  It  was  of  a  light,  soft  easily 
worked  texture,  the  bark  presenting  a  smooth  and  glassy 
surface ;  its  size  four  feet  in  diameter,  towering  upward 
to  the  height  of  nearly  sixty  feet  before  a  limb  was 
reached. 

On  the  following  morning  all  arose  early,  Csesar  setting 
before  them  an  excellent  breakfast  to  which  they  did 
ample  justice,  well  knowing  that  the  labors  of  the  day 
would  necessarily  be  severe. 

Shouldering  their  axes,  they  made  their  way  to  the 
forest,  at  once  commencing  the  work,  taking  stations  on 
either  side  of  the  huge  trunk,  and  after  some  three  hours, 
labor,  the  forest  monarch  began  to  topple,  swinging 
back  and  forth,  until  at  length  it  fell  with  a  crash 
awakening  the  forest  echoes  and  large  numbers  of  wild 
beasts  at  the  same  time,  who  were  seen  darting  out  ot 
the  bushes,  while  great  flocks  of  sea  fowl  rose  from  the 
neighboring  lagoons,  uttering  loud  cries  at  the  un- 
wonted commotion.  Meantime  Caesar,  the  most  af- 
frighted of  all,  came  running  to  the  spot,  shouting 
"  Massa  Captain,  wha  yo  don  now?"  Then  noticing 
tlie  prostrate  trunk,  he  turned  back  tov/ard  the  cabin, 
ejaculating,  "Massa  Captain's  de  berry  debil  fo  makin 
big  noise.    'Spect  he  want  to  scare  Caesar  mos  to  death." 

The  texture  of  the  wood  was  found  not  unlike  white 
pine  of  more  northerly  climes,  though  of  a  reddish  cast  ; 
the  grain  coarse,  open  and  easily  worked,  when  first  cut, 
3'et  hardening  rapidly  under  the  sun's  rays,  the  bark  ex- 
cessively hard,  from  which  it  was  proposed  to  hollow  the 
log,  cutting  to  within  one  inch  of  the  inner  surface  of 
the  bark,  thus  they  would  have  a  strong  compact  and 
light  shell. 

Thirtv  feet  were  now  measured,  when  the  cutting  was 
16 


258  CONSTRUCTION    OF   A   BOAT. 

commenced,  some  two  hours'  labor  being  required  in  the 
operation. 

"  Well  my  boy,"  suggested  the  captain,  taking  off  his 
hat  and  mopping  his  streaming  face,  "this  is  powerful 
exercise,  and  I  am  heartily  glad  so  much  of  the  work  is 
accomplished,  the  hardest  part  I  imagine  ;  yet  how  are 
we  to  hollow  the  log,  that's  what's  bothering  me  just 
now  ?  " 

The  captain  was  no  mechanic,  or  at  the  best  a  yerj 
poor  one.  On  the  other  hand,  while  having  little 
practical  knowledge  of  the  use  of  tools,  Herman  might 
be  said  to  possess  a  natural  gift  in  that  direction,  so  he 
came  to  the  captain's  relief,  saying,  "  Why  sir,  it's  the 
easiest  thing  in  the  world.  Bore  a  series  of  holes,  say 
four  inches  apart,  also  the  required  depth,  afterward  cut 
the  spaces  between  them  with  a  saw.     See  ?  " 

"Yes,"  quoth  the  captain,  "I  see,  and  a  capital  idea 
as  well ;  furthermore  allow  me  to  say,  I  believe  you  are 
an  uncommon  genius,  for  with  all  my  worldly-wise 
experience,  such  a  thought  would  never  have  entered 
my  head.  But  I  say,  old  fellow,  ain't  you  tired  ?  I  • 
am  anyhow,  so  let's  quit  work  and  take  a  season  of 
rest,"  which  being  readily  agreed  to,  our  friends  re- 
turned to  the  cabin,  and  after  eating  supper  and  pipes 
lighted,  Herman  said: 

"  As  I  presume.  Captain,  we  may  be  on  the  lookout  for 
rain  at  any  time,  T  would  suggest  erecting  a  shed  under 
which  we  can  work,  otherwise  wet  clothes  will  be  our 
portion,    not   a   very  agreeable  thing  to  contemplate." 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  captain,  "  another  wise  suggestion  " 

So  on  the  following  morning  they  set  about  the  task 
cutting  poles  the  required  length,  supported  by  posts  at 
proper  distances.  The  framework  completed  it  was 
then  interlaced  with  small  limbs,  and  when  covered 
with  heavy  masses  of  foliage,  a  compact  tight  roof  was 
formed  impervious  to  water  and  the  sun's  rays. 

Now  the  work  was  commenced  in  good  earnest,  con- 
tinuing with  little  intermission  for  the  space  of  nearly 
two  months,  at  the  end  of  which  time  they  were  enabled 


CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   BOAT.  259 

to  look  with  much  satisfaction  on  the  result  of  their 
labors.  For  here  was  a  vessel  of  good  size  fitted  with 
two  pair  of  good  oars,  rudder,  a  stout  mast  and  out- 
riggers, the  latter  suggested  by  Herman,  who  had  pre- 
viously read  an  account  of  the  South  Sea  natives  mak- 
ing use  of  the  contrivance  in  time  of  high  seas,  thus  pre- 
venting the  overturning  of  the  boat,  proving  quite  often 
to  them  that  it  was  a  wise  precaution,  as  otherwise  their 
lives  would  inevitably  have  been  sacrificed.  A  large  square 
sail  was  also  fashioned  from  a  supply  of  bunting,  secured 
at  the  time  of  landing. 

In  journeying  about  the  island  a  species  of  shrub  had 
been  discovered  from  which  exuded  a  soft  pliable  gum, 
which  when  exposed  to  the  heat  became  excessively 
hard.  This  gum  when  gathered  in  sufficient  quantities, 
and  melted  by  a  moderate  degree  of  heat,  was  while  hot 
applied  to  both  the  inside  and  outside  surfaces  of  the 
boat,  forming  an  extremely  hard,  glass-like  compound, 
impervious  to  the  corroding  action  of  salt  water,  at  the 
same  time  protecting  the  sides  from  warping  or  crack- 
ing. A  platform  was  also  formed  extending  from  the 
outer  edges  of  the  outriggers  across  the  body  of  the 
craft,  thus  a  good  sized  platform  or  deck  was  secured  on 
which  they  could  stand,  sit  or  recline  at  pleasure,  while 
a  light  rail  running  entirely  around  prevented  them  from 
being  washed  overboard  in  case  of  high  running  seas 

The  month  of  March  was  now  close  at  hand,  the 
rainy  season  was  closing,  and  the  many  long  days  spent  in 
activity  had  been  pleasant  and  happy,  yet  they  longed  for 
dry  weather  and  sunny  days  when  they  could  again  be  out 
of  doors  without  having  to  encounter  storms  of  wind  and 
floods  of  rain  to  both  of  which  they  had  been  subjected 
for  so  long  a  time.  The  long,  low  lying  banks  of  heavy 
clouds  obscuring  the  sun's  rays  were  fast  hastening 
away,  soon  to  be  succeeded  by  clear  skies  and  more 
equitable  temperature. 

A  somewhat  formidable  undertaking  now  seemed  to 
stand  in  their  way  none  other  than  that  of  transporting 
the  large  and  cumbersome  craft  to  the  shore,  nearly  half-a- 


260  CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   BOAT. 

mile  distant.  Yet  this  was  not  long  in  being  accom- 
pli shed  tlirougli  the  ingenuity  of  Herman  in  propos- 
ing a  set  of  rollers  similar  to  those  used  in  moving 
buildings.  To  this  end  a  number  were  cut  from  straight 
bodies  of  trees,  some  five  feet  in  length  and  three  inches 
in  thickness,  which  being  placed  systematically  under 
the  long  keel,  the  craft  was  soon  on  its  way,  and  ere  long 
floating  proudly  on  the  waters  of  Baxter's  Bay,  the 
name  given  to  a  sheet  of  water  lying  in  front  of  the 
cabin  extending  inland  for  some  little  distance  ;  also  the 
point  where  they  were  landed  upon  leaving  the  yawl  of 
the  Black  Eagle, 

The  island  had  been  christened  Perkins  Land,  and  not 
desiring  to  slight  their  good  friend  Cgesar,  the  distant 
chain  of  mountain  heights  was  called  Caesar's  Heights. 
The  little  inland  sheet  of  water  went  by  the  name  of 
Big  Toe  Lake,  suggested  by  Caesar  from  experience  with 
the  large  fish,  while  the  stream  running  from  the  lake  to 
the  sea  was  called  Sparkling  Water,  and  as  it  was  deemed 
advisable  the  little  vessel  should  also  be  endowed  in  a 
like  manner,  it  was  honored  at  Herman's  suggestion, 
with  the  name  of  the  captain's  daughter  Bessie.  But  the 
captain,  not  wishing  to  be  out-done  in  generosity  by  his 
young  comrade,  proposed  Nelly,  and  as  neither  were 
disposed  to  give  way,  the  affair  was  at  length  decided  by 
tossing  up,  Herman  winning.  So  the  staunch  little 
craft  ever  after  went  by  the  name  of  "  Bessie,"  thus 
more  closely  entwining  about  his  heart  the  girl  he  loved 
from  seeing  her  name  in  large  letters  engraved  on  either 
side  of  the  bow.  So  the  captain  would  often  get  the 
laugh  on  the  young  lover,  upon  his  saying,  "  She's  a 
fast  sailer,"  or  "  a  spanking  craft,"  by  inquiring  which  he 
referred  to,  the  boat  or  Bessie,  a  remark  the  young  man 
was  fain  to  take  to  heart,  as  he  would  reply : 

"Do  you  suppose,  Captain,  I  would  for  a  moment  com- 
pare the  dear  girl  to  our  boat  no  matter  how  useful  the 
latter  may  be  to  us,  though  I'm  willing  to  admit  she's 
cost  us  a  deal  of  hard  work.  There,  don't  laugh, 
Captain,  you  know  which  I  mean." 


CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   BOAT.  261 

The  dinner  hour  now  having  arrived,  the  captain, 
accompanied  bj  Herman,  repaired  to  the  cabin,  where 
Ciesar  was  as  usual  found  busily  engaged  with  his  pans 
and  kettles,  from  the  contents  of  which  he  soon  laid 
before  them  one  of  his  excellent  meals,  remarking,  "  I  don 
a  little  extra  dis  time  in  honah  of  de  ship,  wha  yo  spect  to 
sail  roun  de  worl  in,  but  you  no  take  Caesar  long.  No, 
Ceesar  don  want  to  go  round  dis  yerth  nor  any  oder. 
Dis  island  suit  him  berry  well,  Massa  Captain,  no  sah." 

Dinner  over,  the  captain  remarked,  "Herman,  sup- 
pose this  afternoon,  we  give  our  boat  a  trial,  so  that  we 
may  be  the  better  able  to  judge  as  to  her  sailing  qual- 
ities. 

As  this  was  readily  agreed  to  a  few  moments  later 
found  them  on  board,  sail  hoisted  and  the  vessel  stand- 
ing out  to  sea. 

Some  two  hours  later,  they  returned,  delighted  with 
the  prospect  of  now  being  able  to  navigate  the  waters 
surrounding  their  island  home,  for  the  little  craft  proved 
entirely  sea  worthy,  making  fair  progress  under  even 
a  light  breeze.  However  they  scarcely  went  so  far 
yet  in  their  enthusiasm  as  to  lay  plans  for  a  race  with 
an  ocean  steamer.  The  boat  was  secured  to  the  shore 
by  a  stout  hempen  cable,  then  returning  to  the  cabin, 
they  smoked,  indulging  in  happy  contemplation  of  the 
benefits  to  accrue  from  this  acquisition  to  their  many 
possessions,  for  there  was  now  a  sense  of  relief  from  a 
former  feeling  of  isolation  and  utter  helplessness  natural 
in  their  condition.  Surely  they  had  much  cause  for 
thankfulness  that  their  situation  was  no  worse,  and  no 
less  for  gratitude  to  the  commander  of  the  Black  Eagle 
for  having  so  generously  supplied  them  with  the  neces- 
saries of  life,  also  for  the  acquisition  of  the  lad  Caesar 
to  their  ranks,  for  competent,  faithful  and  active  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duties,  the  entire  charge  of  the  little 
household  being  delegated  to  his  care,  thus  both  the 
captain  and  Herman  were  wholly  freed  from  affairs 
which   in   time   might    have  proved    irksome  in    the 

extreme. 

.1 


262  CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   BOAT. 

CaBsar  not  only  prepared,  but  also  provided  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  the  food.  The  waters  abounded  in 
fish  of  excellent  quality  ;  turtle  were  found  in  large 
numbers,  while  fowl  could  easily  be  procured  with- 
out stint,  and  Caesar  was  not  only  a  good  fisherman, 
but  also  a  capital  shot,  so  the  larder  was  as  a  rule  abund- 
antly supplied  with  both  fish  and  fowl.  Now  and  then 
his  comrades  would  shoulder  their  guns  and  go  out  to 
the  lake  which  at  times  swarmed  with  all  manner  ot 
sea  fowl,  when  a  few  well  directed  shots  would  bring 
down  as  many  as  they  could  conveniently  carry,  and 
now  in  possession  of  their  little  vessel,  they  could  go 
comparatively  long  distances  out  to  sea,  when  in  the 
deeper  waters  fish  of  large  size  could  rapidly  be  obtained. 
Thus,  taking  it  all  in  all,  the  islanders  were  in  a  condi- 
tion tending  to  a  happy  life,  being  at  the  same  time  freed 
from  the  many  cares,  vexatious  and  worries  incident  to 
thickly  peopled  communities,  and  were  it  not  for  a  sense 
of  isolation,  a  longing  for  the  companionship  of  friends, 
or  an  occasional  peep  into  the  doings  of  the  outer  world, 
from  which  they  were  as  completely  severed  as  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  moon,  no  condition  of  life  could  have 
possessed  more  charms  or  been  attended  with  a  greater 
degree  of  happiness.  The  little  farm,  too,  was  in  a  flour- 
ishing condition,  as  since  the  rains  had  ceased,  the  warm, 
bright  rays  of  the  sun,  taking  their  place,  the  seeds 
planted  at  the  commencement  of  the  rainy  season,  were 
growing  rapidly,  and  should  the  harvest  be  as  now 
promised,  there  would  be  no  future  lack  of  food.  The 
deep,  rich,  virgin  mould  caused  the  plants  to  shoot 
upwards  with  intense  vigor  and  most  wonderful  rapid- 
ity; this  combined  with  the  equitable  climate,  there 
seemed  nothing  in  the  way  of  continued  happiness  and 
prosperity. 

One  Sunday  morning  about  this  tiime,  shortly  after 
the  captain  and  Herman,  who  were  wont  to  lie  in  bed 
somewhat  later  than  was  their  custom  on  week  days, 
had  risen,  Caesar  was  observed  making  for  the  cabin  on 
a  run,  shouting,  seemingly,  in  a  state  of  unusual  excite- 


CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   BOAT.  263 

ment,  *' Massa  Captain  git  Caesar  cle  gun.  De  pesky 
varmints  eat  up  all  de  crops." 

"  Why,  Caesar,"  exclaimed  the  scarcely  awakened 
captain,  "  what's  the  matter?  Something  terrible  hap- 
pened, eh  ?  " 

"  Well,  dar  has,  sah,  and  someting  mo  terrible  yet, 
yo  don  hand  me  dat  gun  quick." 

Caesar  had  risen  quite  early,  thinking  to  take  a  stroll 
around  the  little  farm,  in  which  be  took  much  interest, 
when  opening  the  gate  of  the  enclosure,  hundreds  of 
wild  fowl  rose  from  the  ground,  where  they  had  a  few 
minutes  previously  alighted  for  the  purpose  of  making 
a  breakfast  on  the  tender  growing  plants.  Upon  see- 
ing the  state  of  affairs,  he  ran  back  to  the  house  as  fast 
as  his  short  legs  would  allow,  then  procuring  a  well 
loaded  musket  hastened  to  the  field,  discharging  the 
heavy  charge  of  shot  into  the  midst  of  the  marauders, 
bringing  down  several  brace  of  fine,  fat  ducks  and  a 
couple  of  geese. 

"Dar,  you  blamed  igiots,"  exclaimed  the  delighted 
black,  "  Cassar  teach  you  to  let  de  corn  and  peas  alone 
after  dis."  Then  returning  to  the  cabin  loaded  with  his 
treasures,  he  began  at  once  to  prepare  the  morning 
meal. 

Had  Cffisar  lain  in  bed  a  half  hour  longer  the  fruit  of 
many  months'  hard  labor  would  have  come  to  naught 
and  our  friends  would  have  been  placed  in  straightened 
circumstances,  but  appearing  as  he  did  in  the  nick  of 
time  very  little  damage  had  been  done  the  crop,  but  it 
taught  the  islanders  a  lesson  they  would  not  soon  for- 
get. As  Caesar  remarked,  "  It  am  de  airly  bird  dat 
catch  de  worm,  and  Caesar  de  boy  who  cotch  de  bird." 
That  they  were  all  thoroughly  frightened  was  little 
matter  of  wonder,  as  their  future  weal,  if  not  their  very 
existence,  depended  largely  on  the  growing  crops,  so 
often  thinking  the  matter  over,  it  was  decided  that  a 
guard  should  be  stationed  over  the  priceless  treasure, 
taking  turn  about  until  the  grain  should  have  fully  rip- 
ened  and  been    harvested.     Yet  as  the  birds  scarcely 


264:  CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   BOAT. 

ever  commenced  flying  until  day-liglit,  it  was  consid- 
ered unnecessary  for  the  friends  to  leave  their  beds  until 
dawn. 

"Pon  my  word,  this  is  a  little  tough  on  a  fellow,"  sol- 
iloquized Herman,  as  musket  in  liaud,  he  strolled  out  to 
take  position  on  guard  mount,  "  to  be  obliged  to  wake 
and  turn  out  just  at  the  hour  when  one  is  dreaming  of 
his  girl  and  other  pleasant  things,  and  all  on  account  of 
those  heathenish  birds.  Shows  they  were  not  brought 
up  in  a  civilized  community,  or  they  would  let  a  fellow 
sleep  until  sunrise  anyhow,  instead  of  shouldering  a 
musket  at  this  outlandish  hour  in  the  morning."  How- 
ever, at  Caesar's  call,  according  to  previous  agreement, 
the  young  man  lazily  crawled  out  of  his  warm  bed, 
just  at  the  first  streak  of  dawn,  dressed,  and  bathed  in 
the  cooling  spring  water,  feeling  so  greatly  refreshed 
thereby  that  he  cheerfully  took  up  the  line  of  march  for 
the  field.  Yet  when,  but  a  little  more  than  half  way  to 
his  destination,  great  flocks  of  ducks,  geese  and  other 
fowl  were  observed  winging  their  way  over  head  to  the 
coveted  field,  in  anticipation  of  a  morning  feast,  liaving 
doubtless  forgotten  the  sad  result  attending  their  former 
indiscretion,  though  evidently  somewhat  on  the  lookout 
for  enemies  as  they  warily  approached,  manifesting  less 
confidence  than  on  the  previous  morning. 

The  "fowl  avenger,"  remained  in  hiding  until  the  dis- 
trust of  the  wary  birds  seemed  to  have  been  set  at  rest, 
for  suddenly  as  though  by  concerted  action  they  alight- 
ed in  one  great  body,  preparatory  to  commencing  ope- 
rations. So  also  did  the  avenger,  for  opening  fire  on  the 
dense  mass,  a  score  or  more  were  stretched  lifeless  on  the 
ground,  the  unhurt,  though  no  less  terrified  ones,  rising 
with  flapping  wings,  filling  the  air  with  their  discordant, 
frightened  cries,  taking  their  way  to  the  inland  lake. 

Several  mornings  now  passed  in  succession  with  little 
disturbance,  both  the  captain  and  Herman  taking  turns 
in  keeping  close  watch,  until  at  length  a  number,  in 
seeming  forgetfulness  of  the  former  disaster,  or  perhaps 
from  less  experience,  were  observed  flying  over  the  field, 


CONSTRUCTION   OF   A   BOAT.  265 

scarcely  dariug  to  alight,  as  vvbeaever  coming  within 
range  of  the  musket,  a  shot  would  send  them  quickly 
away  ;  so  that  it  now  became  a  much  less  difficult  mat- 
ter to  guard  the  crop.  Several  weeks  now  passed  in 
comparative  quiet,  when  one  morning  the  captain,  re- 
turning from  "  guard  mount,"  reported  the  crop  ripened, 
ready  for  the  harvest.  So  they  began  work  on  the 
following  day,  and  at  nightfall  all  had  been  secured  in 
excellent  condition. 

"  Now,"  said  the  captain,  supper  over,  pipes  lighted 
as  usual,  sending  forth  clouds  of  smoke,  a  feeling  of  con- 
tentment reigning  over  all,  in  the  pleasing  contempla- 
tion that  the  supplies  would  be  quite  adequate  to  their 
future  wants,  "  a  thought  strikes  me.  How  are  we  to 
grind  our  corn  ?  " 

"  "Why,"  answered  his  companion,  "  we  must  build  a 
mill." 

"  A  mill,  my  boy  ?  Well  that's  a  good  suggestion, 
but  how,  that's  the  question." 

"  Well,"  replied  Herman,  "  you  know  the  old  saw : 
'  Where  there's  a  will,  there's  a  way.'  The  first  we 
have,  else  we  would  not  be  in  our  present  prosperous 
condition;    the  latter  we  must  find  out  as  best  we  may." 

So  the  young  inventor  set  his  wits  to  work,  ere  long 
evolving  a  plan,  suggestive  of  good  results,  and  which 
he  believed  would  surmount  the  difficulties  attending 
the  construction  of  the  mill. 

The  stores  of  supplies  furnished  by  the  commander  of 
the  Black  Eagle  would  still  hold  out  for  some  time,  so 
upon  further  consideration,  it  was  deemed  best  to  post- 
pone the  mill  project  until  the  advent  of  another  rainy 
season,  as  their  time  would  be  fully  taken  up  for  the 
present  with  more  important  duties.  Notably  the  in:i- 
provement  of  another  acre  of  ground,  which  added  to 
that  already  under  cultivation,  would  greatly  increase 
their  means  of  subsistence  now  deemed  advisable,  as 
"any  large  surplus  accruing,"  remarked  the  captain, 
"  could  be  shipped  to  foreign  markets." 

"  Ya,  ya,"  interposed  Caesar,  "  de  foreign  markets  can 


266  FURTHER   INVENTIONS. 

be  reached  by  de  new  ship,  yo  spose.  Am  dar  likely  to 
be  a  short  crop  in  foreign  parts,  tink  yo',  Massa  Cap- 
tain? Hab  yo  ceived  vices  to  dat  affect  ob  late,  sab. 
Mebbe  de  commander  of  de  Black  Eagle  like  some  ob 
our  crop.  Mebbe  some  day  he  com  sailing  dis  way  and 
confiscate  de  whole  ob  it.  Mebbe  too,  dem  revenue 
cutter  folks  like  some  ob  our  provisions  down  dar  whar 
Massa  Satan  don  hab  dem.  Mebbe  dar  be  short  crop 
down  dar,  de  wedder  so  berry  hot.  Yum,  yum,  Massa 
Captain,  wha  yo  don  tink  ob  dat,  eh  ?  " 

*'  Oh,  take  yourself  off,"  I'eplied  the  amused  captain, 
"you're  a  bad  lot,  Csesar,  what  do  you  know  about  for- 
eign markets,  though  no  doubt  you'll  soon  enough  find 
out  all  you'll  want  to  know  about  the  revenue  cutter's 
people." 


CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

FURTHER   INVENTIONS. 

OUR  Islanders  now  set  to  work  clearing  an  additional 
acre,  first  felling  the  trees,  the  work  advanc- 
ing rapidly,  their  previous  experience  in  handling  the 
axe  having  made  them  quite  expert  in  its  use,  as  also 
hardening  their  hands  and  toughening  their  muscles. 
Still  it  was  found  a  matter  of  necessity  to  leave  the 
harvested  grain  in  the  field  until  a  new  stone  house  could 
be  erected,  from  which  fact  the  wild  fowl  again  became 
troublesome  by  their  oft  repeated  depredations,  the 
ripened  grain  furnishing  a  tempting  meal;  they  appear- 
ing in  such  numbers  that  one  person  was  required  con- 
stantly on  the  ground,  aud  as  it  was  desirous  to  be  spar- 
iug  of  ammunition,  Herman  set  to  work  contriving  a 
trap  to  catch  them. 

From  the  long,  straight  limbs  of  trees  he  cut  poles, 
which  were  split  lengthwise.  With  these  an  open  box 
of  large  dimension  was  fashioned,  four  feet  in  length  by 


B'URTHER   INVENTIONS,  267 

three  in  width.  Then  he  smoothed  the  surface  of  tlie 
ground,  placing  over  it  the  box,  raised  to  a  sufficient 
height,  so  that  the  birds  could  easily  enter,  then  scatter- 
ing inside  a  little  shelled  corn,  in  the  meantime  attach- 
ing a  cord  to  a  stick  holding  the  box  in  position,  he  took 
his  station  a  little  distance  away  and  awaited  the  result. 
Soon  large  flocks  of  ducks  and  geese  appeared,  finally 
settling  down,  when  spying  the  grain  shelled  and  scat- 
tered no  doubt  for  their  especial  benefit,  they  crowded 
under  until  the  trap  was  nearly  filled,  when  the  cord  was 
pulled,  the  box  fell  and  the  unsuspecting  birds  were 
trapped.  Again  a  wise  thought  was  suggested.  Why 
not  save  the  lives  of  the  birds  for  subsequent  use  ?  an 
idea  which  was  carried  into  effect  by  the  construction  of 
a  much  larger  box.  Afterwards  a  pen  of  goodly 
dimensions  was  built  by  enclosing  a  strip  of  ground 
with  long  palisades,  then  clipping  the  wings  of  the 
birds.  Many  dozens  were  thus  safely  housed,  furnishing 
a  ready  supply  whenever  needed,  as  also  eggs  in  abund- 
ance. It  was  also  resolved  to  attempt  the  taming  of 
several  pairs  of  both  ducks  and  geese,  so  that  in  the 
event  of  ammunition  running  low,  by  simply  stepping 
to  the  poultry  house,  they  could  wring  the  necks  of  as 
many  as  were  desired,  and  as  Herman  said,  "  The  feathers 
can  be  plucked  for  pillows." 

"  Well,  I  declare,"  remarked  the  captain,  when  these 
measures  were  explained  to  him,  "  you  are  evidently  pre- 
paring for  a  lengthy  stay.  Yet  I  dare  say  you  are 
right." 

The  addition  to  the  stone  house  had  been  taken  hold 
of  and  completed;  the  grain  threshed  and  stored,  exceed- 
ing in  quantity  their  expectations,  amounting  to  no  less 
than  ten  bushels  of  shelled  corn,  six  of  peas  and  about 
the  same  quantity  of  beans.  The  crop  of  potatoes  and 
other  vegetables  was  abundant,  so  they  now  considered 
themselves  placed  above  want  until  another  crop  should 
have  been  grown.  In  the  meantime  the  ground  was 
again  prepared  for  planting. 

Had  any  of  Herman's  college  associates   met  him  at 


268  FURTHER   INVENTIONS. 

this  time,  lie  would  have  been  scarcely  recognized,  as 
previous  to  his  island  life  he  had  never  during  his  whole 
existence  performed  a  day's  manual  labor,  for  when 
at  home  a  servant  stood  ever  ready  to  attend  and  supply 
his  every  want. 

The  crop  thoroughly  secured  and  safely  stored,  the 
new  storehouse  erected  together  with  preparing  and 
planting  the  farm,  had  fully  occupied  the  time  until  the 
rainy  season  was  about  to  commence.  Meanwhile 
discussions  relative  to  the  projected  mill  were  of  fre- 
quent occurrence,  to  which  end  it  was  necessary  to  secure 
stone  of  the  proper  quality  for  grinding. 

During  one  of  their  trips  across  the  island  the  chain 
of  hills  falling  in  their  route,  larger  masses  of  rocks  had 
been  observed  cropping  out  which  it  was  believed 
might  be  utilized  for  the  purpose  in  question.  So  a 
couple  of  days  later  they  set  out  on  the  expedition,  car- 
rying such  tools  as  were  deemed  necessary  for  the  work, 
or  rather  such  as  they  possessed  which  were  necessarily 
limited  in  quality  and  number;  simply  an  axe,  shovel, 
wooden  lever  and  materials  for  blasting,  a  steel  drill 
and  some  gunpowder. 

A  couple  of  hours'  journey  brought  them  to  the 
desired  locality,  when  they  at  once  commenced  opera- 
tions by  digging  the  soil  from  under  a  large  piece  of 
rock,  partially  detached  from  the  main  body.  Then 
they  drilled  several  holes  of  the  required  depth,  which 
were  loaded  and  a  fuse  attached.  Then  moving  some 
distance  away  they  awaited  developments  which  were 
not  long  in  coming.  The  discharge  and  report  which 
followed,  echoing  among  the  hills,  was  not  unlike  a  roll 
of  thunder.  It  was  seconded  by  the  rising  of  numerous 
flocks  of  fowl  from  the  adjacent  lake,  while  wild  beasts, 
some  of  large  size,  fled  from  the  neighboring  thickets. 

One  of  the  largest  of  these  animals  halted  in  its 
flight,  and  turned  back,  seemingly  with  the  intention  of 
attacking  the  disturbers  of  his  rest. 

Grasping  a  musket,  Herman  leveled  the  piece,  yet 
hesitating   until   his  victim  should  have   arrived  quite 


FURTHER   INVENTIONS.  269 

near,  when  the  weapon  was  discharged  sending  a  ball 
through  the  beast's  head.  That  he  was  of  the  cat 
species,  who  are  said  to  have  nine  lives,  was  evident ; 
for  instead  of  dropping  dead  as  he  should,  he  rushed 
on  his  assailants,  the  captain  selected  as  the  one  for 
attack,  securing  a  deep  cut  from  the  sharp  claws  of 
the  animal  on  his  left  shoulder.  But  for  the  presence 
of  mind  of  Herman,  it  would  have  fared  hardly  with 
liim,  for  the  beast  was  so  deeply  enraged  and  furious 
from  pain,  that  his  onslaught  was  terrible. 

However,  Herman  coming  to  the  rescue,  directed  a 
powerful  blow  with  an  axe  head,  laying  the  beast  lifeless 
at  his  feet. 

"  Another  trophy,"  remarked  the  avenger.  "  Pity 
Csesar  couldn't  have  been  in  at  the  death.  But  your 
shoulder,  Captain,  it's  bleeding.     Let  me  examine  it." 

"  Oh  !  bother,"  he  exclaimed,  "  it's  nothing  bui  a 
scratch."  However,  upon  stripping  off  his  shirt,  it  was 
found  to  be  a  pretty  severe  scratch,  so  Herman  washed 
and  bound  up  the  wound,  as  well  as  his  limited  resour- 
ces would  permit,  and  it  was  many  a  day  thereafter  ere 
the  captain  could  say  with  truth  that  he  had  a  sound 
arm. 

At  the  time  our  friends  were  landed  on  the  island, 
among  the  effects  taken  with  them,  was  a  box  having 
the  appearance  of  being  filled  with  old  junk,  presum- 
edly worthless,  yet  upon  investigation  it  proved  of  the 
utmost  value,  for  among  other  articles  was  found  a  set 
of  cold  hardened  steel  drills  admirably  adapted  for  the 
purpose  in  question.  These  were  the  ones  brought  to 
bear  in  the  drilling  the  holes  for  blasting  the  rock  for 
the  proposed  mill  stones. 

The  blast  proved  a  decided  success,  as  a  single  layer  of 
the  hard  rock  was  displaced  from  its  bed,  which  upon 
measurement  was  found  to  be  of  the  required  size  and 
thickness. 

The  long  sultry  day  was  now  drawing  to  a  close  ;  the 
workmen  were  exceedingly  weary,  and  as  the  night 
would  soon  fall  upon  them,  they  suspended  operations 


270  rURTHER   INVENTIONS. 

and  set  about  preparing  a  camp  for  the  night,  having, 
with  commendable  forethought,  brought  provisions 
sufficient  iur  a  couple  of  days'  sustenance. 

Supper  over  and  pii)es  smoked,  they  spread  their 
blankets  on  the  warm  dry  ground  ;  then  lying  down 
were  soon  sleeping  soundly.  Nothing-  of  moment  dis- 
turbing their  slumbers,  as  their  sleep  was  too  profound 
to  hear  the  howling  of  wild  beasts  who,  scenting  the 
dead  body  of  their  comrade,  made  the  forest  resound 
with  their  angry  cries. 

At  an  early  hour  of  the  morning,  they  awoke  greatly 
refreshed,  well  knowing  a  hard  days'  work  was  before 
them,  for  the  heavy  stone  must  be  transferred  to  their 
home  distant  some  five  miles. 

It  would  have  been  greatl}'^  to  their  liking  had  Caesar 
been  with  them  to  assist  in  the  work  of  removal,  but  it 
seemed  a  matter  of  necessity  that  the  negro  should  re- 
main at  home  on  guard  over  their  stores  of  provisions, 
grain  and  ammunition. 

In  the  emergency,  a  cart  or  any  wheeled  vehicle  no 
matter  of  how  simple  construction,  would  have  proved 
timely,  but  having  nothing  of  the  kind,  they  resorted  to 
the  most  simple  expedient  possible,  still  one  quite  effec- 
tive. 

Cutting  a  pair  of  pliable  poles  some  ten  feet  in  length, 
they  fastened  them  securely  at  either  end  two  feet  apart. 
Near  the  low^erend,  the  stone  was  placed,  and  secured 
so  as  not  to  be  easily  disturbed  by  jolting  over  the  un- 
even ground.  Then  by  placing  each  a  shoulder  at  the 
further  end,  they  hauled  the  heavy  load  quite  easily, 
though  somewhat  slowly. 

By  walking  steadily,  resting  every  half  mile,  and  an 
hour  or  two  at  mid-day,  they  reached  their  home  shortly 
before  sun  set,  finding  Caesar  as  usual,  employed  about 
the  kitclien,  as  he  said  "  pareing  fo'  comp'ny." 

"Well,  massa  Captain,"  said  the  good  natured  black, 
"you  don  got  mity  big  stun  dar.  Golly  but  dat  grine 
de  cawn  1 " 

Quite  w^orn  out  by  the  excessive   labor   during  the 


FURTHER   INVENTIONS.  271 

past    two    days,    they    agreed   the   next   should   be   a 
holiday. 

The  voice  of  Csesar  was  now  heard,  cheerily  calling, 
"  Come  to  suppa,"  and  as  he  had  put  forth  an  extra 
effort  in  its  preparation,  he  wanted  no  lingering,  prefer- 
ing  to  serve  it  while  hot,  and  little  wonder,  for  here 
were  fried  fish,  roast  duck,  baked  potatoes,  corn  pone 
and  an  excellent  cup  of  coffee;  "a  feast,"  as  Herman  said, 
"  equal  to  a  home  restaurant." 

On  the  following  morning,  all  lay  in  bed  late,  except 
Csesar,  who  preferred  rising  in  good  season  that  nothing 
might  be  found  wanting  at  breakfast,  and  as  he  felt  his 
importance  as  custodian  of  the  house  and  premises,  he 
usually  went  the  rounds,  both  night  and  morning  to  see 
that  all  things  were  in  proper  order. 

While  eating  breakfast,  the  captain  proposed  a 
holiday  excursion,  a  sail  on  the  sea. 

"  All  right,"  said  his  companion,  "  and  suppose  we 
take  our  lines,  going  a  mile  or  two  out  from  shore  and 
take  some  deep  sea  fish." 

So  getting  lines  and  hooks  in  readiness,  both  of  the 
larger  size,  also  a  supply  of  salt  pork  for  bait,  they 
went  on  board  and  set  sail,  Oeesar  for  once  accompany- 
ing them.  Thus  sailing  for  an  hour,  they  found  them- 
selves quite  a  long  distance  from  their  home,  though 
still  in  sight.  They  now  baited  the  hooks,  the  boat 
drifting  at  will. 

Soon  the  large  fish  began  taking  hold  and  ere  an 
liour  had  elapsed,  nearly  a  dozen  deep  sea  bass  lay 
floundering  at  the  vessel's  bottom  until  at  length,  Her- 
man again  casting  line,  drew  from  the  deep  waters  the 
largest  of  all,  requiring  the  concentrated  efforts  of  all  his 
companions  to  effect  the  capture  ;  then  again  baited  the 
hook,  as  he  said,  "  for  the  last  time,"  with  the  remark, 
"  now  for  a  whale." 

Yet  the  words  had  scarcely  been  spoken  when  the  hook 
was  taken  with  so  sudden  and  severe  a  grip,  the  hold 
of  the  line  so  firm,  that  ere  he  was  aware  of  the  danger, 
he  was  drawn  overboard,  at  once  sinking  from  sight. 


272  FURTHER   INVENTIONS. 

"For  the  love  of  heaven,"  shouted  the  captain, 
"dive  vmder  the  boat!  "  And  little  wonder,  for  in  plain 
sight,  and  only  ^  few  rods  distant,  were  seen  the  black 
fins  and  snout  of  an  enormous  shark.  "  My  God  !  "  cried 
the  horrified  captain,  "  the  boy  is  lost  I " 

Not  so,  for  rising  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  craft,  he 
was  grasped  by  the  stout  hand  of  Caesar,  assisted  by  the 
•captain,  and  by  sheer  force  of  muscle,  was  lifted  into 
the  boat,  and  not  a  moment  too  soon,  for  the  sea  monster 
closely  following,  had  turned,  his  white  belly  uppermost, 
in  eager  anticipation  of  his  prey.  A  few  moments 
delay  would  have  sealed  the  fate  of  Herman,  who  now 
lay  in  the  bottom  of  the  craft,  panting  and  nearly  ex- 
hausted, more  from  fright  possibly  than  exertion. 

The  hook  taken  by  tlie  shark  still  retaining  its  hold, 
the  captain  was  quite  anxious  to  effect  its  capture  and 
as  it  happened,  a  loaded  musket  had  been  placed  on  board 
previous  to  setting  out  on  what  promised  at  one  time  to 
be  an  ill  starred  expedition. 

Herman  now  quite  recovered  from  both  shock  and 
fright,  begged  permission  to  slay  the  beast,  urging,  that 
while  perfectly  willing  to  provide  bait  for  fish,  whale  or 
shark,  he  had  a  decided  disinclination  to  furnish  it  from 
his  own  person. 

The  line  was  gradually  shortened,  until  the  fish  draw- 
ing quite  near,  the  musket  was  raised,  aimed  and  fired, 
the  large  ball  penetrating  an  eye  of  the  sea  monster,  who 
notwithstanding  having  received  a  mortal  hurt,  struggled 
in  death  agonies.  However,  these  struggles  growing  grad- 
ually less  violent  until  at  length  he  lay  a  lifeless  mass 
on  the  bosom  of  the  deep,  he  was  soon  after  taken  in 
tow,  sail  spread  to  the  breeze  and  they  were  again  under 
way,  prow  homeward  turned,  their  progress  somewhat 
impeded  by  the  excessive  weight  hanging  in  the  rear. 

It  was  nearly  sunset  ere  the  craft  was  snugly  moored 
on  the  still  waters  of  Baxter  Bay.  Herman  was  little 
tlie  worse  for  his  sea  bath,  only  somewhat  pale  from  the 
scare,  and  his  nearness  to  a  sudden  and  cruel  death. 

The  boat  was  secured  to  the  shore  by  a  stout  cable 


FURTHER   INVENTIONS,  278 

the  shark  hauled  on  the  beach.  The  long  sharp  rows  of 
teeth  and  wide  extended  jaws  of  the  formidably  armed 
animal  caused  all  to  shudder  in  contemplation  of  the 
nearness  Herman  bad  been  into  their  crushing  power. 
Meanwhile,  it  was  decided  to  leave  the  body  in  its  pres- 
ent position  until  the  following  day  when  they  would 
remove  the  thick  hide,  for  as  the  captain  averred,  there 
was  no  better  material  for  shoe  leather. 

Upon  reaching  their  home,  all  things  were  found  as 
they  had  been  left  in  the  early  part  of  the  day.  So, 
Caesar  set  about  preparing  the  evening  meal,  all  agreeing, 
setting  aside  the  shark  episode  that  a  very  agreeable  day 
had  been  spent. 

During  the  early  part  of  the  meal,  little  was  said,  the 
captain  seemingly  absorbed  in  contemplation  of  the  sad 
fate  so  lately  hovering  around  the  head  of  his  devoted 
friend, 

"  I'll  be  hanged  if  I  didn't  think  at  one  time  nothing 
short  of  a  miracle  could  save  you,  and  when  I  attempt  to 
realize  the  lonely  condition  in  which  I  would  have  been 
left  had  you  met  with  a  far  worse  than  '  Jonah's  fate,' 
I  declare,  my  boy,  it  makes  me  tremble,  however  as 
the  saying  goes,  all's  well  that  ends  well,  so  let's  think 
no  more  of  it  but  set  about  looking  up  material  for  the 
mill." 

To  this  end  Herman  drew  a  plan,  the  motive  power  the 
wind,  the  framework  fashioned  from  the  trunk  of  straight 
bodied  trees,  wheels  cut  from  those  that  were  as  nearly 
symmetrical  as  possible.  For  the  wind  mill  there  was  a 
framework  consisting  of  four  arms  of  equal  length,  each 
ten  feet  in  length,  attached  to  a  central  hub  through  which 
ran  a  shaft  supported  by  upright  posts,  while  to  each  arm 
was  stretched  stout  sail  cloth.  The  greatest  difficulty  ap- 
prehended, was  that  of  dressing  and  grooving  the  stones, 
also  bringing  them  to  the  desired  thickness,  but  as  this 
portion  of  the  work  would  require  much  time  and 
patience,  it  was  decided  to  leave  it  until  the  winter 
months  which  would  soon  be  upon  them,  as  the  days 
were  gradually  becoming  shorter  and  much  cooler. 
17 


274  FURTHER   INVENTIONS. 

The  bright  sunny  sky  ere  long  became  overcast  with 
heavy  laden  clouds,  a  deepening  gloom  settled  on  sea  and 
land,  the  winds  came  in  fleeting  gusts,  the  long  dull 
tropical  winter  was  fast  hastening  on,  but  for  all  this  they 
were  well  prepared. 

Ample  stores  of  provisions,  timber  cut  and  under 
cover  for  the  mill,  the  little  farm  planted,  all  in  the  en- 
joyment of  perfect  health  ;  what  more  could  be  asked  or 
desired?  They  had  work  before  them  to  occupy  the 
entire  winter  months,  and  if  only  a  daily  or  weekly 
paper,  a  monthly  periodical  even  could  be  placed  in 
their  possession,  anything  in  short  from  the  outer  world, 
a  few  books,  or  writing  materials,  they  would  have  con- 
sidered themselves  above  want. 

Of  all  these  they  were  denied,  yet  there  is  in  the  mind 
a  deeper,  heart  felt  want,  one  to  be  satisfied  only  through 
genial  companionship. 

In  Captain  Perkins,  Herman  found  a  warm  hearted 
generous  comrade,  and  in  so  far  as  everyday  practical 
matters  were  concerned,  perhaps  his  equal,  yet  in  all  else 
his  inferior,  not  that  his  native  powers  were  less,  but  they 
lacked  cultivation. 

On  the  other  hand,  from  having  in  an  eminent  degree 
during  his  whole  life  been  the  reci))ient  of  fortune's 
favors,  enjoying  the  advantages  of  a  liberal  education, 
passionately  fond  of  an  argument  when  based  on  sub- 
jects requiring  deep  thought  and  thorough  search,  Her- 
man was  none  the  less  a  genial  companion  and  welcome 
associate  to  the  captain;  this  divergence  of  character 
and  attainment  resulting  no  doubt  to  their  mutual  ad- 
vantage, for  while  one  could  plan,  the  other  could  exe- 
cute. 

Thus  the  long  winter  mouths  passed,  as,  working 
faithfully  and  systematically,  they  overcame  by  patient 
labor,  combined  with  much  thought,  many  seemingly 
insurmountable  obstacles,  for  destitute  of  practice  me- 
chanically speaking,  these  would  rise  in  their  pathway 
only  to  be  worked  out  by  innate  genius  or  natural  talenta 
which  rose  to  the  emergency. 


FURTHER  INVENTIONS.  275 

The  days  were  short,  so  it  was  arranged  to  work  a 
portion  of  each  evening,  light  being  furnished  by  oil 
from  the  flesh  of  wild  beasts  slain  and  the  wild  fowl, 
usually  quite  fat  and  plump. 

As  nearly  the  whole  of  Csesar's  time  was  given  to  the 
cares  of  the  household,  supplying  the  table  and  looking 
after  the  stores,  he  was  seldom  called  upon  to  render  as- 
sistance to  his  companions,  thougli  ofttimes  a  wise  sug- 
gestion would  fall  from  the  darkey's  lips.  Thus  when 
Herman  became  puzzled  as  to  the  method  of  adjusting 
the  stones  for  successful  working.  Caesar  came  to  the 
front,  with  a  suggestion  gained  from  familiarity  with 
grinding  corn  on  the  plantation  of  his  old  Georgia 
master. 

"  Why,"  said  he,  "  you  must  adminster  a  square  hole 
right  true  de  middle  ob  de  upper  stone,  den  de  cawn  will 
fall  to  de  under  one." 

With  this  concise  explanation,  Herman  proceeded  to 
"  adminster"  the  required  hole  which  proved  entirely 
satisfactory. 

Again  came  the  advent  of  spring.  The  rain  ceased ; 
the  heavy  darkening  clouds  disappeared  ;  nature  rejoic- 
ing in  the  bursting  bud  and  opening  blossom  ;  the  ground 
was  carpeted  with  rich  grass,  while  the  song  of  bird 
was  heard  from  branch  and  twig. 

An  additional  month  of  unceasing  labor  witnessed 
the  completion  of  the  mill,  now  ready  for  trial,  and  after 
a  few  unimportant  additions,  it  proved  even  more  satis- 
factory than  could  have  been  expected. 

A  simple  forge  was  also  set  up,  a  small  number  of 
blacksmith's  tools  having  been  found  in  a  chest  at  first 
supposed  filled  with  useless  trumpery. 

A  grindstone  was  fashioned,  now  considered  of  prime 
necessity,  for  their  axes,  planes  and  chisels,  were  becom- 
ing quite  dull  from  long  continued  use. 

Thus  passed  the  time,  until  four  years  elapsed,  bearing, 
in  their  train  alternate  summer  heats  and  winter  storms, 
the  inventive  genius  of  Herman  combined  with  the  un- 
tiring  energy    of  the   captain,  meantime,   resulting   in 


276  THE    EXPEDITION. 

many  useful,  though  necessarily  rude  contrivances, 
tending  to  lighten  their  labors,  among  which  was  a 
light  yet  serviceable  plow,  quite  well  adopted  to  turning 
the  easily  tilled  soil.  The  captain,  together  with  Caesar, 
furnished  motive  power,  thus  supplying  the  place  of 
horse,  mule,  ox,  or  ass,  though  a  thought  of  late  had 
suggested  itself  to  the  mind  of  Herman,  "  Why  not 
utilize  nature's  forces,  notably  wind,  for  a  like  purpose, 
as  in  the  case  of  the  mill  ?  " 

The  skins  of  slaughtered  wild  beasts  had  been  tanned, 
from  which  the  clothing  now  worn  was  made;  not  quite 
up  to  style  perhaps,  yet  well  adapted  to  their  mode  of 
life.  While  the  area  of  cultivated  land  had  been  largely 
added  to  from  year  to  year,  they  were  now  producing 
more  bread  stuffs  than  could  be  used,  but  the  captain 
argued  this  was  greatly  in  their  favor,  for  said  he : 

"  In  case  of  a  year  of  excessive  drought,  not  uncom- 
mon in  tropical  latitudes,  possibly  of  illness  or  some 
other  unforeseen  occurrence,  we  would  not,  like  the  Is- 
raelites of  old,  be  compelled  to  '  go  down  to  Egypt  to 
buy  corn.'  Then  too,  my  bo}',"  he  said,  "  we  may 
some  day  be  surprised  by  the  advent  of  visitors,  both 
hungry  and  naked." 

So  the  storehouse  was  kept  filled. 


CHAPTER  XL. 

THE  EXPEDITION. 

ON  a  Monday  morning,  (Sunday  having  been  spent 
not  as  it  should  have  been  perhaps,  as  the  Isl- 
anders were  not  strict  church  goers,  from  no  fault  of 
theirs,  however)  the  mind  of  the  captain  seemed  the 
whole  day  preoccupied  to  the  exclusion  of  all  else,  some 
weighty  matter  evidently  having  taken  possession.  So 
breakfast  over,  he  said  : 

"  Herman,  have  you  ever  given  the  subject  a  thought 


THE    EXPEDITION.  277 

that  we  may  have  nearer  neighbors  than  we  have  here- 
tofore suspected  ?  "  Then  taking  a  piece  of  wood  from 
his  poclcet  and  handing  it  to  Herman,  he  continued : 
"  Look  at  this  and  tell  me  what  you  think." 

Herman  took  the  block  in  his  hand,  carefully  exam- 
ined it,  and  then  replied  : 

"  Well,  Captain,  it  is  certainly  a  curious  affair  to  be 
found  in  this  out-of-the-way  place,  and  I  must  own  I 
hardly  know  how  to  answer  your  question." 
■  "  For  one  thing,"  resumed  the  captain,  "  you  will  no- 
tice it  is  carved,  and  this  in  a  peculiar  manner,  as  the 
lines  ran  from  several  directions  to  one  common  centre, 
showing  much  skill  in  cutting.  I  am  ready  to  affirm  un- 
der oath,  if  needs  be,  though  I  am  not  much  given  to 
swearing,  that  the  hand  of  native  never  fashioned  a 
block  of  wood  like  this ;  and  again,  when  you  examine 
it  closely,  you  will  perceive  not  only  design  in  its  plan, 
but  that  it  was  executed  by  a  sharp,  smooth-edge  tool, 
and  that  not  very  long  since,  either." 

"But,  Captain,  where  did  you  come  across  it?  "  ques- 
tioned Herman. 

"  Well,  you  see  I  was  strolling  along  the  beach 
yesterday  morning,  and  noticing  something  a  little  out 
of  the  common  run  floating  in  the  water,  picked  it  up, 
for  it  lay  quite  near  the  shore.  Now  the  finding  of  this 
block  of  wood  has  not  only  set  me  thinking,  but  also  to 
entertain  a  project  I  will  now  lay  before  you.  As  you 
are  aware,  we  have  never  been  able  to  discover  land, 
look  in  whatever  direction  we  may,  from  any  point  on 
either  side  of  our  island.  Of  course  we  have  only  our 
unaided  sight,  yet  could  we  look  a  little  farther  by  the 
aid  of  a  glass,  the  possibilities  are  we  might  sight  some 
hitherto  unseen  shore. 

"  Now  what  I  propose  is  this ;  let  us  provision  our 
vessel,  say  for  three  days'  journey,  then  hoist  sail,  set- 
ting to  the  northwest,  for  I  believe  that  the  direction 
from  which  the  current  sets  to  these  shores,  consequently 
the  one  from  which  this  block  has  reached  us.  A  day 
and  night  out,  the  same  to  return,  and  should  we,  Col- 


278  THE    EXPEDITION. 

umbus  like,  discover  a  New  World,  we  will  keep  on  our 
course  until  we  reach  its  shores,  then  shape  our  future 
as  circumstances  may  seem  to  warrant,  or  judgment 
dictate.  I  have  given  much  thought  of  late  to  the 
question,  whetlier  no  vessel  having  touched  Baxter  Bay 
(luring  the  past  four  years,  one  ever  will  in  the  future? 
What  say  you,  my  learned  comrade?  " 

"  Oh,  don't  be  sarcastic,  please,  my  most  worthy  Cap- 
tain ;  for  you  know  I  make  no  pretence  to  any  unusual 
Bum  of  learning.  So  keep  any  thoughts  you  may  be 
pleased  to  entertain  in  that  direction  to  yourself."  This 
was  said  in  a  pleasant  humor,  as  the  young  man  well 
knew  the  captain  would  not  for  the  world  make  a  re- 
mark, or  indulge  in  a  thought  even,  tending  in  the  least 
to  hurt  his  feelings.  However,  the  captain  honestly  be- 
lieved his  young  friend  the  epitome  of  all  human  intel- 
ligence, and  well  he  might.  "  I  will  reply  to  your  sen- 
sible and  possibly  well  advised  remark  in  the  identical 
language  used  on  board  the  Black  Eagle  in  answer  to  a 
like  question,  '  Wliere  you  lead  there  will  I  follow.'" 

"  Your  hand  on  that,  my  brave  boy ;  we  will  set 
about  making  preparations  for  the  trip  at  once."  Then 
to  Cffisar,  "  Three  days'  rations  for  the  crew  and  an 
extra  one  for  yourself,  Ceesar  !  " 

Upon  hearing  this  remark  the  negro's  eyes  blazed 
with  excitement,  astonishment  depicted  on  every  line  of 
his  ebony  face,  when  he  exclaimed,"  Wha,  Vv^ha,  Massa 
Captin,  yo  gwine  ?     Wha  yo  gwine  to  do  ?  " 

"  Going  on  a  voyage  of  discovery,  my  trusty  friend," 

"  Wha  yo  gwine  to  discober,  Massa  Captin,  tole  me 
dat?" 

"  New  worlds,  Caesar." 

"  Wha,  leab  dis  beautiful  home,  gwine  to  take  Caesar 
wid  yo  ?  " 

"Yes,"  answered  the  captain,  "we  are  going  to  take 
you,  but  we  will  only  be  away  for  a  few  days,  probably 
not  more  than  three,  unless  it  so  chances  we  find  some- 
thing to  suit  us  better." 

"Dat  yo  neber  will,  Massa  Captin,  no  yo  can't  do  dat." 


THE   EXPEDITION.  279 

"  Well  lad,  get  tlie  provisions  ready  ;  we'll  try  for  it, 
anyhow." 

Caesar  said  to  himself,  "  Wha  on  de  face  ob  de  yarth 
got  into  de  head  ob  Massa  Captin  ?  Fo  de  lawd  Caesar 
tlnk  he  gwine  crazy.  Leab  dis  beautiful  delitsom  home 
to  discobba  a  betta  one?  "  Shaking  his  head  he  contin- 
ued, "  No  man  can  do  dat,  let  alone  Massa  Captin." 

However,  Caesar,  ever  obedient  to  the  wishes  of  his 
good  friend,  set  about  the  task, .  though  with  a  heavy 
heart,  and  no  less  dejected  mien,  for  the  island  home 
suited  him  most  perfectly. 

The  following  morning  found  the  craft  loaded  with 
necessary  stores,  the  islanders  on  deck,  the  captain  at 
the  helm,  Caesar  amidship,  and  Herman  at  the  how. 

Previous  to  setting  out  on  the  journey,  the  cabin  had 
been  securely  fastened ;  and  as  the  crops  were  har- 
vested and  under  cover,  it  was  believed  no  danger  need 
be  apprehended  during  their  short  absence. 

Otherwise  it  would  have  been  deemed  unadvisable  in 
the  extreme,  in  thus  allowing — possibly  compelling  the 
better  word — Caesar  to  accompany  them,  as  he  would 
have  greatly  preferred  remaining  snugly  at  home,  than 
to  take  part  in  an  expedition  fraught  as  he  truly 
believed  v/ith  so  much  danger.  However,  a  last  look 
taken,  sail  was  hoisted,  they  were  away  with  a  fair 
breeze;  so  that  ere  a  half  day  had  elapsed,  the  island  had 
Bunk  beneath  the  sea,  the  topmost  crest  of  the  moun- 
tain range  scarcely  visible.  Meantime  the  poor  colored 
boy  was  in  great  tribulation,  his  mind  constantly  revert- 
ing to  the  home  to  which  he  had  become  so  attached  ; 
aye,  where  he  had  spent  the  very  happiest  days  of  his  life. 
So  shedding  copious  tears,  he  begged  his  comrades  to  turn 
back,  crying  in  bitter  tones,  "  Caesar  will  nebba,  no 
nebba,  see  his  butiful  home  no  mo !  Oh!  why  hab  I  libed 
to  see  this  oncomfortable  day  ?  " 

Yea,  Csesar  was  right  in  his  prognostications,  for 
never  would  he  see  his  "butiful  home  no  mo,"  nor  his 
comrades  ever  again  set  eyes  on  the  beautiful  surround- 
ings, or  tread  shores  endeared  by  ties  of  friendship,  and 


280  THE  BLACK   EAGLE   MEETS   HER   FATE. 

memory  of  happy  years.  Could  the  veil  have  been  at 
this  moment  thrust  aside,  revealing  the  future  scenes  to 
be  encountered,  Caesar's  advice  would  have  been  taken 
with  little  hesitation  and  they  would  have  turned  back. 
Now  the  island  home  is  completely  lost  to  view,  a 
wide  waste  of  waters  surrounds  them,  nothing  is  seen 
save  the  white  capped  waves,  nothing  heard  but  the 
mournful  winds  as  they  sweep  through  the  rigging  of 
the  staunch  little  craft. 


CHAPTER  XLI. 

THE   BLACK   EAGLE   MEETS   HER   FATE. 

ONCE  more  the  Confederate  privateer  Black  Eagle  is 
heard  from,  cruising  among  the  West  India 
islands,  convoying  merchantmen  to  southern  ports,  or 
accompanying  them  so  far  on  their  way,  as  to  be  safe 
from  Federal  cruisers. 

In  the  meantime  several  small  prizes  had  been  taken, 
but  this  scarcely  satisfied  the  ambitions  of  Commander 
Romayne,  who  was  extremely  desirous  of  meeting  one  of 
the  larger  vessels  of  the  Federal  navy,  believing  the 
Black  Eagle  fully  competent  to  defy  and  even  conquer 
any  that  might  be  brought  to  face  liis  powerful  batteries. 

Walking  the  deck  of  his  fine  ship  one  afternoon,  in 
company  with  his  first  lieutenant,  Sir  Eldred  remarked, 

"  I  really  do  not  like  this  idea  of  cruising  in  these 
waters,  nor  of  again  coming  to  anchor  without  a  Yankee 
privateer  in  tow,  as  it  is  well  known  the  Federals  are 
not  destitute  of  war  ships  in  these  localities,  and  I  am 
getting  wonderfully  anxious  to  overhaul  some  of  them, 
for  the  fact  can't  be  denied  that  we  have  not  met  a 
foe  worthy  of  our  steel,  neither  have  we  as  yet  had 
a  brush  with  a  Yankee  cruiser,  and  I  do  so  want  to 
try  the  metal  of  the  armor-sided  Black  ^a^?e  against  one 
of  their  broadsides.      Won't  it   be   a   surprise   to   the 


THE   BLACK   EAGLE   MEET3  HER   FATK.  281 

Yankees,  eh?  That's  the  beauty  of  going  masked, 
for  they  believe  us  like  themselves,  carrying  an  unpra- 
tected  wooden  hull.  Ha!  ha  I  Lieutenant,  they'll  find 
out  their  mistake  one  of  these  days,  methinks  to  their 
sorrow." 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  lieutenant,  "  we  certainly  have  as 
fine  a  vessel,  manned  by  as  fine  a  crew,  sailing  under  as 
gallant  a  commander  as  can  be  found  in  any  other  seas 
of  the  world." 

"Tut,  tut.  Lieutenant,  no  flattery  you  know,"  said 
Sir  Eldred,  though  he  could  scarcely  avoid  revealing  in 
the  quick  lighting  up  of  his  remarkably  fine  counte- 
nance that  he  was  not  ill-pleased  at  the  compliment  so 
gracefully  tendered  by  his  first  ofiicer. 

"  Sail  ho ! "  was  at  this  instant  shouted  from  the  look- 
out at  the  mast-head. 

"  Where  away  ?  "  returned  the  commander. 

"  Three  points  off  the  starboard-bow,  sir." 

"  What  is  she  like?  "  continued  the  oflScer. 

"A  full  rigged  ship,  sir,"  answered  the  lookout,' 

The  breeze  was  fresh,  the  Black  Eagle  under  easy 
sail,  and  all  things  in  order  on  deck  and  about  the  entire 
ship,  as  Sir  Eldred  was  a  strict  martinet  in  all  the  little 
details  that  many  another  commander  would  have  paid 
but  little  attention  to  and  cared  less  about. 

"Turn  out  the  men  I  "shouted  the  captain,  and  tlie 
instant  following  the  boatswain's  whistle  was  heard  pip- 
ing the  men  to  quarters. 

The  crew  were  at  once  active  and  alert  at  the  pros- 
pect of  what  they  termed  an  "  old  fashioned  sea  fight," 
as  hastening  on  deck,  and  up  the  tall  masts,  the  yards 
were  quickly  manned. 

The  Black  Ea;/le  glided  easily  and  safely  over  tlie 
waters,  sails  quickly  set.  She  made  speedy  passage 
toward  the  Yankee  frigate,  which  appeared  well  pleased 
at  the  coming  encounter,  showing  not  the  least  inclina- 
tion to  avoid  the  contest. 

The  lieutenant  now  went  aloft,  glass  in  hand,  to 
watch  her  motions  and  report  to  Sir  Eldred  the  size, 


282  THE   BLACK   EAGLE    MEETS   HER   FATE. 

cliaractcr,  probable  weiglit  of  metal  and  number  of  the 
crew.  The  stranger  upon  examination  proved  a  Federal 
frigate,  fully  equal  to  if  not  longer  than  the  Black  Eagle. 

The  Federal  ship  now  hoisted  the  stars  and  strii)es, 
responded  to  by  the  hurrahs  of  her  antagonist. 

The  sea  was  at  this  time  running  high,  the  wind 
rising  visibly,  while  heavy  threatening  clouds  darkened 
the  sky,  betokening  a  storm.  Yet  active  preparations 
were  continued,  little  tliought  of  danger  being  appre- 
hended other  than  from  shock  of  battle. 

Sir  Eldred  now  ordered  a  sliot  directed  at  the  mainsail 
of  the  approaching  frigate,  and  as  the  sea  was  rough, 
urged  the  gunners  to  take  careful  aim. 

The  bow-gun  was  accordingly  loaded,  aimed,  the 
match  applied,  when  the  heavy  shot  bounding  from  wave 
to  wave,  struck  the  foretopmast,  causing  splinters  to  fly 
in  all  directions,  a  hearty  cheer  going  up  from  the  elated 
crew  at  the  success  of  the  first  shot. 

The  gunners  now  hastened  to  their  quarters,  eager  for 
the  fray,  no  thought  of  danger  entering  their  breasts,  no 
fear  showing  in  their  countenances.  Yet  no  one  knew 
how  soon  he  might  fall  mortally  wounded,  or  be  found 
lying  in  the  agonies  of  death. 

The  excitement  attending  the  preliminaries  of  a  sea 
fight  is  great;  its  possible  outcome — laurels  to  some, 
wounds  and  death  to  others  ;  though  from  the  main  senti 
ment,  the  latter  is  scarcely  considered  by  the  true  sea- 
man. As  in  this  instance  it  was  judged  an  impossibility, 
that  an  armored  vessel  should  in  any  event  be  conquered 
by  unprotected  wooden  walls,  preparations  for  the  fight 
went  on,  accompanied  by  jokes,  cheers  and  hurrahs  of 
the  active  crew. 

The  yards  were  now  thoroughly  braced,  in  apprehen- 
sion of  the  menacing  tempest,  yet  sail  was  crowded  on, 
the  commander  hoping  the  contest  might  be  ended  ere 
the  threatened  storm  should  break.  Thus  the  combatants 
approached,  drawing  momentarily  nearer  together,  the 
Yankee  frigate  intent  upon  crossing  the  bows  of  the  Con- 
federate cruiser,  desiring  thereby  to  deliver  a  raking  fire. 


THE   BLACK   EAGLE   MEETS   HER   FATE.  283 

Meantime  the  Black  Eagle's  crew,  manifesting  little 
fear,  kept  on  the  way,  knowing  her  antagonist  little  sus- 
pected how  well  her  sides  were  protected. 

Anon  the  contest  rages  in  all  its  fury,  broadsides  are 
exchanged  with  the  utmost  rapidity,  several  of  the  Black 
Eagle's  crew  have  fallen,  still  her  guns  were  working 
with  spirit  and  determination;  yet  in  spite  of  all,  the 
unwelcome  thought  now  dawned  upon  the  mind  of  Sir 
Eldred,  that  he  had  at  last  met.  his  match,  possibly  his 
fate,  for  the  superior  strength  of  the  Federal  ship,  both 
in  armament  and  men,  told  heavily  against  him.  Yet  ip 
any  event  the  contest  could  not  be  of  long  duration,  as 
the  Confederates  had  already  lost  twenty  men  in  slain, 
and  nearly  as  many  wounded. 

Meantime  the  shot  falling  harmless  from  the  sides 
of  the  Black  Eagle,  the  Federal  commander  suspecting 
the  cause,  had  ordered  his  guns  aimed  so  as  to  sweep  her 
decks,  from  which  the  crew  suffered  far  more  than  did 
the  ship,  and  the  vessel  continuing  to  draw  nearer  until 
they  lay  side  by  side,  the  bowspirits  were  ordered  lashed 
together  and  an  attemjjt  made  to  board  the  Black  Eagle. 

At  this  instant.  Sir  Eldred,  seeing  how  matters  stood, 
and  that  his  vessel  was  about  to  be  taken  by  the  board, 
shouted, 

"  All  hands  to  the  front  to  repel  boarders ! '' 

Too  late!  the  Federals  even  then  were  swarming  her 
decks,  a  most  determined,  and  sanguinary  contest  ensu- 
ing; and  as  the  Federals  so  largely  outnumbered  the 
Black  Eaglets  crew,  the  latter  were  driven  to  cover  at 
nearly  every  point,  while  blood  was  flowing  in  torrents 
and  the  combatants  falling  on  all  sides. 

A  combat  of  this  nature  cannot  be  of  long  duration, 
as  men,  however  brave,  have  little  desire  to  shed  their 
blood  in  a  lost  cause. 

Now  was  heard  in  stentorian  tones,  the  voice  of  the 
Federal  chief,  calling  to  surrender,  at  the  same  instant 
meeting  face  to  face  Commander  Romayne,  a  thrilling 
combat  ensued.  Blows  in  rapid  succession  were  ex- 
changed, when  by  a  quick  pass  the  sword  of  Sir  Eldred 


284  THE   BLACK   EAGLE   MEETS   HER   FATE. 

was  wrenched  from  his  hand,  and  he  stood  at  the  mercy 
of  his  opponent  who,  at  the  point  of  his  blade,  com- 
pelled him  on  pain  of  instant  death  to  surrender  his 
ship. 

Sir  Eldred  was  a  courageous  man  ;  of  this  fact  there 
could  not  be  the  least  doubt,  and  had  his  crew  not  been 
so  greatly  reduced  in  numbers,  he  would  have  met  his 
fate,  trusting  to  their  bravery  to  redeem  both  his  honor 
and  that  of  the  ship,  but  under  existing  circumstances, 
he  deemed  it  best  to  quietly  submit,  indulging  in  the 
hope  that  the  wheel  of  fortune  might,  in  turning,  place 
the  Federal  commander  in  a  like  situation  to  himself. 

Thus  ended  this  battle,  one  of  the  most  severe  naval 
engagements  of  the  war,  for  more  than  one  half  of  the 
Black  Eagle's  crew  were  either  killed  or  wounded,  the 
cockpit  overflowing  with  the  latter,  while  shrieks  and 
groans  were  heard  rising  from  the  tortured  victims  of 
the  surgeons'  knife. 

The  crew  of  the  Federal  ship  suffered  scarcely  less  in 
slain  and  wounded,  a  number  of  officers  being  among 
the  latter. 

Eepairs  were  immediately  commenced  on  each  vessel, 
the  dead  cast  into  the  sea,  and  ere  a  few  short  hours 
had  elapsed,  both  ships  were  again  under  way. 

The  Confederate  crusier  Black  Eagle^  heretofore  the 
scourge  of  the  sea,  now  a  prize  following  in  the  wake 
of  her  captor,  sailing  into  the  harbor  of  a  friendly  port, 
caused  an  immense  amount  of  rejoicing,  as  the  merchant 
marine  could  now  breathe  more  freely,  especially  when 
homeward  bound,  laden  with  valuable  merchandise  here- 
tofore so  eagerly  sought  by  the  wily  privateer. 

After  being  fully  repaired  and  her  crew  largely 
augmented,  she  again  put  to  sea  under  a  new  com- 
mander, flying  the  stars  and  stripes. 

Tliis  Federal  man-of-war  so  opportunely  appearing, 
seemingly  by  accident,  was  really  the  one  sent  out  by 
the  Federal  Government  for  the  express  purpose  of 
engaging  the  Confederate  Black  Eagle^  this  anticipation 
being  fully  realized  at  the  close  of  the  combat. 


EPHRAIM   STROUD.  286 

The  old  Union  flag,  the  stars  and  stripes  at  her  mast- 
head, she  now  appears  a  warm  defender  of  the  new  cause 
substituted  for  the  old  one  ;  a  change  regretted  by  her 
old  commander,  Sir  Eldred  Romayne,  more  than  that  ill 
advised  yet  generous  hearted  sailor  cared  to  admit,  not 
so  much  perhaps  for  the  pecuniary  loss  entailed,  as  for 
the  §ake  of  the  cause  he  delighted  to  serve. 


CHAPTER  XLII. 

EPHRAIM   STROUD. 

EPHRAIM  STROUD,  the  false  accuser  of  his  former 
classmate,  Herman  Baxter  understood  only  too 
well  that  the  facts  leading  to  the  notorious  affairs  in 
which  he  had  played  so  conspicious  a  part,  must  ere 
long  be  brought  to  light,  in  which  event,  his  position 
could  scarcely  be  called  an  enviable  one.  He  had 
severed  his  counectious  with  the  institution,  taking  hasty 
departure  from  the  scene  of  his  operations  as  a  Con- 
federate spy  ;  doing  this  the  more  unhesitatingly,  from 
having  fulfilled  his  mission  in  removing  the  one  stumb- 
ling block  from  the  pathway  to  future  aggrandizements. 
Thus  returning  to  his  home  in  the  South  he  took  im- 
mediate steps  toward  organizing  a  band  of  irregulars, 
commonly  known  as  guerillas,  of  which  he  was 
unanimously  chosen  leader. 

Leading  a  predatory  life,  acting  independent!}^  of  any 
array  regulations,  subject  to  no  discipline  or  punishment, 
these  men  were  well  prepared  to  do  an  immense  amount 
of  mischief  to  those  people  of  the  border  states,  who 
were  either  actually  known,  or  suspected,  it  mattered 
little  which,  of  being  active  sympathizers  with  the  Union 
sentiments  of  the  North.  While  possibly  these  unholy 
deeds  were  not  directly  encouraged  by  the  Confederate 
leaders,  they  were  at  least  condoned,  for  their  principal 
aim  and  object  was  the  plundering,  laying  waste,  and  in 


286  EPHRAIM  STROUD. 

the  end  confiscating  the  substance  of  tbose  coming  under 
the  ban  of  lawful  proscription.  While  in  the  act  of 
augraeuting  the  Confederate  exchequer,  they  took  good 
care  at  the  same  time  to  keep  their  own  pockets  well 
filled. 

Again  many  of  these  Confederate  agents,  or  more 
properly  speaking,  spies,  had  originally  concocted  this 
scheme  as  a  means  of  gaining  a  livelihood,  as  it  not  only 
afibrded  free  scope  to  their  adventurous  disposition, 
gratifying  meanwhile  a  natui'al  ill-feeling  against  the 
presumed  enemies  of  the  South,  but  also  contributed 
materially  to  tbeir  own  immediate  wants  without  neces- 
sitating the  hazard  to  life  and  limb  inseparable  from 
legalized  actual  warfare. 

In  the  meantime,  Ephraim  Stroud  had  kept  a  watchful 
eye  on  Duke  Steele,  the  victim  of  his  former  successful 
stratagem  ;  also  witnessed  his  unusual  career  of  rapid 
promotion,  at  the  same  time  well  understanding  what 
his  fate  would  be  should  he  at  any  future  time  come 
withiu  reach  of  the  avenger's  arm.  Therefore,  he  had 
disguised  his  person  and  changed  his  name  so  that  not- 
withstanding they  had  frequently  met,  he  had  hitherto 
remained  unrecognized  by  the  gallant  young  officer. 

That  Captain  Stroud  was  a  shrewd  intriguer,  we  have 
already  seen.  The  fate  of  his  co-w^orker  in  iniquity, 
Cyrus  Jones,  at  the  head  of  the  band  of  troops  led  by 
Colonel  Steele,  was  known  to  Ephraim ;  he  was  also 
aware  of  the  relation  existing  between  the  general  and 
Nelly  Baxter.  So,  out  of  the  depths  of  his  villainous 
intellect,  he  set  about  evolving  a  scheme  whereby  he 
could  effectually  despose  of  the  one,  and  secure  posses- 
sion of  the  other.  To  this  end  believing  the  time  had 
arrived  when  the  plan  might  be  successfully  undertaken, 
he  would  while  getting  within  his  power  his  bitter 
enemy,  secure  for  himself  the  large  wealth  supposed  to 
have  been  inherited  by  the  young  lady. 

Thus  Nelly's  father  no  more,  the  brother  out  of  the 
way,  in  all  probabilities  never  more  to  be  heard  from, 
Cyrus  Jones  the  last  remaining  stumbling  block  slain, 


EPHRAIM   STROUD.  287 

nothing  now  barring  the  way  other  than  the  general, 
Duke  Steele,  his  ever  fertile  brain  must  coucoot  one  more 
scheme  whereby  his  high  mightiness  should  not  only 
be  dragged  down  from  liis  lofty  official  station,  but  his 
person  secured  as  well. 

Since  the  hour  of  the  advancement  of  Duke  Steele 
to  high  rank  in  the  Confederate  service,  Carrie  Foster 
had  made  use  of  every  known  means  whereby  to  recap- 
tivate  his  heart ;  yet  thus  far  with  little  success. 

In  all  the  many  battles  in  which  he  had  taken  part,  the 
victorious  general  had  escaped  injury,  being  seemingly 
bullet  proof.  No  shot  from  hostile  gun  had  touched, 
no  angry  blade  reached  him.  So  was  he  now  proof 
against  all  the  wiles,  stratagems  and  fascinations  the 
beautiful,  strong-willed  maiden  could  bring  to  bear 
against  him. 

Was  this  noble,  highly-gifted  young  general  her 
enemy  ?  Scarcely, — and  herein  lay  the  trouble.  When 
did  mortal  man  ever  hate  a  truly  beautiful  woman  ;  for 
treat  him  as  she  may,  upon  the  least  sign  of  encourage- 
ment, is  he  not  just  as  ready  to  fall  down  and  worship 
her  aye,  even  should  thorns  encompass  him  and  tribu- 
lations be  encountered  ? 

In  Cyril  Blanchard,  Carrie  Foster  had  a  faithful  ally, 
one  whose  hate  for  Duke  Steele  was  as  deep  and  far 
more  deadly,  for  while  the  one  was  confined  to  a  selfish 
sentiment,  little  heart  manifested ;  tlie  other  lay  in 
wounded  honor,  no  less  than  physical  suffering  and  dire 
mental  anguish.  He  could  not  forget  to  whom  he  was 
indebted  for  the  long  weary  months  of  illness  and  pain 
to  which  he  had  been  subjected. 

On  a  bright  and  beautiful  morning  at  the  instant 
when  drum  and  trumpets  were  sounding  the  reveille, 
Carrie  Foster  was  observed  riding  in  a  leisurely  man- 
ner toward  the  quarters  of  Lieutenant  Blanchard,  her 
mind  evidently  engrossed  by  some  weighty  subject,  as 
she  paid  little  attention  to  the  stirring  scenes  incident 
to  early  morning  camp  life. 


28S  EPHRAIM   STROUD. 

She  arrived  at  the  tent,  and  the  lieutenant  noticing 
the  footfalls  of  an  approaching  steed,  appeared  at  the 
entrance,  Avhen  he  was  no  less  pleased  tlian  astonished 
upon  again  beholding  the  object  of  his  affections. 

Greeting  tlie  overjoyed  lieutenant  in  a  kindly  man- 
ner, Carrie  asked  if  he  could  give  her  a  few  moments,  as 
she  had  something  particular  to  say  to  him.  Being  an- 
swered in  the  af&rmative,  she  dropped  from  the  saddle, 
and  entered  the  lieutenant's  humble  quarters,  where  she 
remained  for  a  half  hour,  then  remounted  and  rode  rap- 
idly away,  evidently  in  much  better  spirits  than  upon 
her  first  appearance. 

The  following  evening.  General  Steele  received  a  letter 
postmarked  Oxford,  Middlesex  Co.,  Virginia,  purport- 
ing to  have  been  written  by  Nelly  Baxter. 

"  Oxford,  July  14,  1864. 
"  My  dear  Duke, — 

"  I  am  in  great  trouble.  Your  dear 
mother  was  taken  quite  suddenly  and  very  seriously  ill, 
two  days  since,  and  the  attending  physician  thinks  her 
recovery  doubtful. 

"  Please  hasten  to  us  at  once  or  you  may  be  too  late. 
"  Lovingly, 

"Nelly  Baxter." 

"  My  mother  seriously  ill  and  I  not  with  her !  "  solo- 
quized  the  general.  "Yet  it  is  only  two  days  since  she 
was  taken  sick,  doubtless  as  soon  as  I  could  well  expect 
to  hear  of  it.  Yet  stay,  this  is  not  in  Nelly's  hand.  How- 
ever, the  poor  girl  was  probably  nervous  when  she 
wrote.  Yes,  I  must  go  to  her  at  once."  So  he  began 
preparations  for  leaving  at  break  of  day  on  the  follow- 
ing morning,  meanwhile,  turning  over  the  command  to 
an  officer  second  in  rank  to  himself,  with  instructions  to 
report  daily  the  condition  of  affairs  at  headquarters. 

Then  just  as  light  appeared  in  the  eastern  sky  he 
started  on  the  long  and  tedious  ride,  accompanied  by  a 
single    orderl^^     The    general,    in  his    haste,    had  evi- 


EPHRAIM   STROUD.  289 

dently  forgotten  his  previous  experience  in  that  direc- 
tion with  the  guerillas,  who  even  now  often  appeared  in 
full  force,  and  that  too  when  least  expected. 

Judging  from  the  brief  note  writteD  by  Nelly,  the  gen- 
eral feared  he  would  never  again  behold  his  mother  in  life. 
Yet  little  did  either  suspect  the  many  long  months  of 
weariness  and  suffering  that  would  elapse  ere  he  should 
look  upon  her  face,  living  or  dead.  However,  the  gen- 
eral hurried  his  departure,  in  the  strong  hope  he  would 
be  enabled  to  reach  her  bedside  ere  life  should  have  fled, 
once  more  press  her  hand  in  token  of  his  great  love  and 
receive  her  last  blessing. 

Swiftly  speeding  on  his  way  through  the  long,  hot 
dusty  July  day,  night  fell  when  he  was  some  ten  miles 
distant  from  Oxford. 

Here  in  the  outskirts  of  a  dense  tract  of  wood,  he 
halted  for  a  few  moments'  rest,  greatly  needed  by  both 
himself  and  his  worn  steed,  the  latter  showing  signs  of 
so  much  fatigue  that  he  feared  he  would  entirely  give 
out  before  having  accomplished  the  journey. 

The  general  dismounted,  throwing  the  reins  to  the 
orderly,  when  suddenly  and  without  the  least  warning 
he  was  set  upon  and  quickly  overpowered  by  a  half 
score  of  masked  riders,  who,  ere  he  could  realize  his  sit- 
uation, had  securely  bound  and  gagged  both  himself  and 
his  orderly ;  then  placing  them  in  the  saddle,  moved 
away  through  the  intricacies  of  the  dense  forest,  leading 
in  the  directon  of  the  distant  mountains. 

Thus  they  rode  in  silence  through  the  long  night, 
halting  now  and  then  for  rest,  until  the  light  of  early 
dawn  found  them  some  thirty  miles  distant  from  the 
highway  leading  to  the  village  of  Oxford. 

Still  pushing  on,  they  now  enter  a  deep  secluded 
mountain  gorge  whose  towering  cliffs,  together  with  the 
overhanging  crags  and  dense  forest  shade,  quite  obstruct 
the  rays  of  the  rising  sun. 

Moving  still  faster  on,  they  soon  arrive  at  the  exten- 
sive encampment  of  an  outlaw  gang,  whose  leader  is 
none  other  than  the  Confederate  college  student  spy, 
IS 


290  EPHRAIM   STROUD. 

and  the  alleged  lunatic,  at  one  time  so  desirous  of  enlist- 
ing in  the  ranks  and  under  the  banner  of  King  George 
the  Third — Ephraim  Stroud.  The  general's  mortal  enemy, 
Lieutenant  Cyril  Blanchard,  was  also  there. 

Was  ever  man  so  girt  about  in  such  hopeless  cap- 
tivity and  by  such  bitter  relentless  foes  as  he  ? 

Owing  to  the  continuous  hard  riding  of  the  previous 
day,  together  with  the  severity  of  the  night,  aud  the 
pain  from  the  cords  so  tightly  binding  his  limbs,  the 
General  was  quite  worn  out  when  reaching  the  gueril- 
las' camp. 

His  mouth  widely  extended  by  the  gag,  lips  torn  and 
bleeding,  coupled  with  hunger  from  his  long  fast,  had 
resulted  in  the  most  terrible  sufferings,  so  that  upon 
being  assisted  in  alighting,  the  gag  removed,  and  his 
limbs  unbound,  he  fell  to  the  ground  fainting,  helpless, 
and  nearly  insensible. 

Lieutenant  Blanchard  has  at  last  accomplished  his 
end.  So  has  Carrie  Foster,  for  she  had  registered  on 
high  a  vow  that,  as  she  had  used  the  expression,  "  The 
haughty  coxcomb  shall  be  brought  to  sue  for  mercy, 
aye  to  my  very  feet,  shall  he  humble  himself. 

Duke  Steele,  the  man  at  whose  hands  Cyril  Blanchard 
had  been  so  signally  chastised,  this  man  on  whose 
shoulders  lay  nearly  the  whole  of  his  past  troubles,  the 
long  weary  months  hovering  between  life  and  death;  not 
only  this,  but  also  the  man  through  whom  he  still  re- 
mained in  the  position  of  a  subaltern,  while  his  most 
bitter  enemy  had  risen,  and  would  doubtless  continue  on 
his  upward  course  until  reaching  the  topmost  pinnacle 
of  fame  as  a  military  chieftain — this  man  was  in  his 
power. 

When  taking  leave  of  his  army  associates,  the  general 
had  remarked  to  the  officer  temporarily  succeeding  him 
in  command : 

"I  have  just  received  a  letter  telling  of  the  dangerous 
illness  of  my  mother  to  whom  I  must  now  hasten,  but 
upon  reaching  her  bedside  I  will  immediately  send  hack 
word  informing  you  as  to  her  conditionj  as  also  the  prob- 


EFHRAIM   STROUD.  291 

able  duration  of  my  absence,  meantime  should  any- 
thing of  importance  occur  requiring  my  presence  at 
army  headquarters,  you  will  please  give  me  due  notice." 

Three  days  had  now  elapsed,  and  no  word  from  the 
general.  As  a  move  was  in  contemplation  which 
might  bring  on  a  general  engagement,  his  presence  with 
the  cavalry  division  of  the  army  of  Northern  Virginia 
was  of  the  utmost  importance. 

Dispatches  were  at  once  forvvarded  to  Oxford,  urging 
his  immediate  return,  replied  to  by  Nelly,  saying, 
"General  Steele  is  not  now,  nor  has  he  been  here. 
Neither  is  his  mother  ill ;  on  the  contrary  she  is  in  the 
enjoyment  of  the  best  of  health." 

What  could  be  the  meaning  of  this  most  singular  and 
mysterious  affair  ?  That  there  had  been  foul  play  was 
evident. 

The  commanding  officer  of  the  regiment  in  which 
Lieutenant  Blanchard  served,  now  reported  that  officer 
absent,  and  it  was  now  understood  that  bad  blood  had 
for  a  long  time  existed  between  the  two,  thus  putting 
this  and  that  together,  it  really  began  to  appear  that  the 
lieutenant  might  be  an  accessory,  if  not  the  real  head 
of  a  conspiracy  inaugurated  to  wreak  vengeance  on  the 
head  of  the  missing  general  in  revenge  for  past  injuries. 

Couriers  were  immediately  dispatched  in  every  direc- 
tion, the  most  thorough  search  was  made  ;  the  messenger 
in  every  instance  returning  and  nothing  having  been 
accomplished. 

General  Lee  upon  being  notified  of  the  absence  of  one 
of  his  leading  and  most  widely  known  generals,  also  set 
on  foot  the  most  searching  and  continuous  efforts  look- 
ing to  his  whereabouts,  yet  all  without  avail. 

General  Duke  Steele  had  disappeared  as  suddenly 
and  silently  as  on  a  former  occasion,  yet  under  far  dif- 
ferent circumstances.  Then  a  lowly,  obscure  young 
man,  now  a  figure  on  whom  a  multitude  of  eyes  were 
cast,  as  the  gallant  leader  of  one  of  the  most  important 
branches  of  the  Confederate  service.  It  really  began  to 
appear  as  though  the  earth  had  literally  opened  and 


292  EPHRAIM    STROUD. 

swallowed  liirn  up  in  its  depths.  Still  from  the  exi- 
gencies of  the  case,  there  could  be  no  hesitation  on  the 
part  of  the  military  authorities ;  therefore  the  antici- 
pated move  was  made,  the  cavalry  division  under  another 
leader. 

The  days,  weeks,  and  months  passed  without  the  least 
sign  or  discovery  of  the  whereabouts  of  the  missing 
general,  until  from  the  urgency  of  the  case  his  command 
was  permanently  taken  and  his  exalted  station  filled  by 
a  celebrated  officer  under  commission  of  the  Governor 
of  Alabama. 

As  would  most  naturally  be  the  case,  both  the  mother 
of  General  Steele  and  Nelly  were  greatly  alarmed  at 
his  long  continued  absence;  Nelly  even  making  a  jour- 
ney to  army  headquarters,  there  conferring  with  General 
Lee,  inquiring  as  to  the  mysterious  disappearance  of  her 
lover.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  no  one  event  in  the  history 
of  the  war  had  so  stirred  military  circles ;  in  fact,  it  was 
for  a  considerable  period  of  time,  the  main  topic  of  con- 
versation, and  little  wonder,  when  taking  into  consider- 
ation the  fact  that  an  officer  of  high  rank,  enjoying  the 
utmost  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  commander-in- 
chief,  should  have  been  thus  spirited  away,  disappearing 
so  suddenly  and  without  the  least  warning. 

The  affair  was  certainly  incomprehensible.  Yet  as 
time  passed,  scenes  of  a  stirring  nature  of  daily  occur- 
rence tending  in  a  large  measure  to  draw  the  attention 
in  other  channels,  it  was  at  length,  if  not  entirely  for- 
gotten, unheeded. 

General  Grant  was  now  vigorously  "  pushing  things," 
the  Confederate  forces  gradually  but  surely  becoming 
hemmed  in  on  all  sides,  resources  cut  off.  The  fact  be- 
came daily  more  and  more  apparent  that  surrender  must 
ere  long  take  place. 

While  General  Grant  was  holding  tight  rein  over  the 
Confederate  forces  at  Petersburg,  General  Sherman  was 
leading  his  squadrons  through  the  most  prolific  portion 
of  Georgia,  laying  waste  a  vast  area  extending  from 
Atlanta  on  the  north  to  Savannah  on  the  south. 


THE    PRISONER,    GENERAL   STEELE.  293 

This  uoted  march  to  the  sea,  eulogized  in  song  and 
story,  may  justly  be  conceived  as  one  of  the  greatest 
military  achievements  of  the  age,  and  while  to  General 
Grant  may  be  conceded  the  conception  of  the  scheme, 
to  General  Sherman,  a  no  less  mead  of  praise  shall  be 
awarded  for  its  execution. 

Guarding  approaches  to  the  National  Capital,  once  the 
main  object,  keeping  lines  of  supplies  open  then  of  the 
first  importance,  were  now  esteemed  secondary  consider- 
ations in  the  minds  of  the  two  great  leaders,  as  the  sup- 
plies of  the  one  lay  in  the  country  traversed  by  his 
legions  and  his  headquarters  in  the  saddle. 


CHAPTER  XLIII. 

THE   PRISONER,  GENERAL   STEELE. 

"TTTELL,  my  brave  General,  how  do  you  find 
YY  yourself  this  morning,"  was  sarcastically 
spoken  by  Lieutenant  Blanchard  upon  entering  the  dark 
gloomy  underground  cell-like  apartment,  located  in  a 
cavern  on  the  side  of  the  mountain  at  the  base  of  which 
lay  the  outlaw  camp,  to  which  place  the  unfortunate 
general  had  been  taken,  and  rigorously  confined  since 
the  time  of  arrival  in  the  early  morning. 

Hearing  these  words,  the  general  slowly  raised  him- 
self to  an  upright  posture,  at  once  recognizing  in  the 
speaker  none  other  than  his  implacable  and  bitter  enemy, 
Cyril  Blanchard. 

Casting  his  eyes  about  the  dimly  lighted  room,  at 
once  comprehending  the  significance  of  a  plot  so  skill- 
fully arranged  and  successfully  carried  out,  he  allowed 
his  gaze  to  rest  on  the  well-known  features  of  his 
abductor  for  a  few  moments,  then  spoke  : 

"  Blanchard,  what  do  you  expect  to  gain  by  this  infa- 
mous outrage?  Are  you  not  aware  of  the  fatal  conse- 
quence sure  to  follow  the  betrayal  into  the  hands  of  his 


294  THE   PRISONER,   GENERAL   STEELE. 

enemies  of  an  officer  of  the  rank  I  bold  in  the  Confeder- 
ate army  ?  " 

"  Why,  General,  reallj^,  I  little  thought  of  your  taking 
this  bit  of  pleasantry  so  greatly  to  heart,"  was  the  sarcas- 
tic reply  ;  "  and  I'm  truly  surprised  that  you  don't  appeal 
to  my  well-known  generosity  and  tenderness  of  heart 
which  often  causes  my  soul  to  overflow  with  the  milk 
of  human  kindness,  especially  when  put  in  the  right 
form,  but  which  I  am  sorry  to  say  is  not  the  case  in  this 
instance.  Perhaps  you  are  about  to  tell  me  the  cause 
of  Secession  will  sufier  immediate  dissolution,  when 
thus  losing  one  of  its  standard  supporters,  bravest 
defenders,  and  highest  officers  ? 

"  I  tell  you  Steele,  and  this  in  plain  words,"  went  on 
the  lieutenant,  "  the  days  of  Secession  are  numbered, 
its  foundations  undermined,  its  hitherto  strong  walls 
crumbling,  its  massive  pillars  weakened,  its  fall  at  hand. 
What,  let  me  ask,  have  I  gained  by  a  willing  adherence 
to  the  cause?  Do  I  not  remain  in  the  same  lowly  posi- 
tion in  which  I  first  started  out?  Have  I  advanced  one 
step?  No;  on  the  contrary,  I  have  suffered  a  thousand 
deaths,  lain  long  weary  months  in  a  condition  few  have 
been  called  upon  to  endure.  And  you,  you  have  been 
the  cause  of  it  all !  While  lying  on  a  sick  bed,  no  ra}'^ 
of  hope  to  cheer  the  days,  my  nights  one  continued 
agony,  I  swore  revenge,  patiently  biding  my  time,  know- 
ing sooner  or  later  it  would  come.  It  has!  In  my 
power,  hope  lost,  no  outlet  or  means  of  escape,  you  will 
leave  this  place  only  to  be  borne  to  a  silent  unmoumed 
grave  on  the  side  of  yon  mountain,  already  deep  dug 
to  receive  your  worthless  remains." 

At  this  moment  Ephriam  Stroud  strode  upon  the 
scene,  sarcastically  remarking  :  "  Well,  General,  hope  you 
don't  bear  any  grudge  !  Little  trick  of  the  boys,  you  know, 
down  there  on  the  pike.  Then,  too,  old  school  fellows, 
shouldn't  get  the  big  head.  But  I  say,  Steele,  you 
haven't  forgot  the  little  trick  I  played  on  the  college 
green,  (so  to  speak)  eh  ?  Wonder  by  the  way  how 
friend  Baxter  is  getting  on?      Ha  !  ha  !     Good  joke  on 


THE   PRISONER,   GENERAL   STEELE.  295 

both  you  fellows.  Don't  hurt  though  to  take  a  little  of  the 
starch  out  now  and  then,  but  I  really  do  beheve  I've  a 
chance  to  get  even  with  you  now  for  the  scurvy  trick 
played  on  me  over  there  at  B.ichmond,  when  I  offered 
my  services  as  standard  bearer  in  the  ranks  of  King 
George,  and  to  pay  for  it  you  had  me  arrested  and  sent 
to  the  guard  house.  Oh  !  I've  got  a  long  memory,  and 
I'm  going  to  tell  you  something  now  that'll  make  that 
serene  countenance  of  yours  take  on  a  different  aspect, 
or  my  name's  not  Ephriam  Stroud.  So,  to  be  serious, 
I'll  explain  that  having  so  successfully  outwitted  one  of 
General  Lee's  most  trusted  adherents  to  a  lost  cause,  I 
take  pleasure  in  informing  you  that  I  am  about  to  leave 
you  in  charge  of  your  charitable  friend.  Lieutenant 
Cyril  Blanchard,  late  of  the  1st  Alabama  Cavalry,  now 
connected  with  Captain  Ephriam  Stroud's  band  of  regu- 
lators ;  that  is  to  say,  we  are  in  the  habit  of  regulating 
sundry  domestic  affairs  of  our  friends,  of  which,  as  I 
may  say,  you  are  the  chief.  The  said  Blanchard,  now 
my  lieutenant,  will  doubtless  attend  to  your  wants, 
which  will  not  be  many  nor  as  I  apprehend  greatly 
prolonged. 

"I  have  also  the  honor  to  inform  your  lordship  that  in 
the  meantime,  I  ride  forth  at  the  head  of  the  boys  on 
an  expedition  to  inquire  after  the  health  of  your  sick 
mother^  Ho !  ho  !  Sick — be  d — d.  Good  joke  that, 
Steele — and  the  capture,  abduction,  if  you  like  the  term 
better,  of  your  well  beloved  Nelly,  whom  I  propose  on 
the  instant  to  make  my  better  half,  a  parson  having  al- 
ready been  engaged  to  perform  the  ceremony." 

Shortly  a.fter  nightfall,  Ephriam  Stroud,  at  the  head 
of  the  outlaw  band,  rode  out  from  the  encampment  and 
down  the  mountain  side,  following  the  regular  beaten 
path  leading  to  the  highway  he  expected  to  take,  hoping 
to  reach  Oxford  shortly  before  daybreak,  Cyril  Blanch- 
ard remained  in  camp  with  a  portion  of  the  gang,  de- 
tailed to  guard  the  prisoner,  while  Ike  Morton,  noted  as 
being  one  of  the  most  blood-thirsty  members  of  the 
band,  was  in  disguise,  suited  to  the  part  he  was  to  act 


296  THE   PBiSONER,    GENERAL  STEELE. 

in  perforining  the  ceremony  of  marriage  between  Stroud 
and  his  destined  victim.  All  were  in  high  spirits, 
partly  from  success  attending  the  capture  of  the  ob- 
noxious general ;  partly  from  the  anticipated  sport  in 
witnessing  the  mock  marriage  of  their  leader  with  the 
high  born  and  wealthy  heiress ;  and  more  than  all  else, 
owing  to  being  heavily  reinforced  by  liberal  potations  of 
whiskey. 

The  journey  down  the  steep  hill-side  was  contin- 
ued until  the'  pike  was  reached,  no  obstacle  intervening, 
until,  just  as  they  emerged  from  the  forest,  a  small 
troop  of  Federal  scouts  appeared,  coming  from  the  di- 
rection of  Oxford.  At  once  recognizing  their  peril, 
from  being  greatly  outnumbered  by  the  Federals,  the 
outlaws  put  spurs  to  their  alread}'  overridden  steeds, 
thinking  thus  to  avoid  a  conflict,  little  to  their  liking, 
but  the  scouts  charged  down  upon  them,  soon  overtak- 
ing them  and  demanding  their  surrender.  At  this  junc- 
ture, the  guerillas  finding  a  conflict  inevitable,  wheeled 
about,  charging  in  turn  with  much  spirit,  but,  being 
taken  at  a  disadvantage,  were  soon  overcome,  the  chief 
receiving  a  severe  wound. 

Tlie  outlaws  fleeing,  escaped  owing  to  the  partial 
darkness  of  the  early  morning,  chased  for  a  distance 
across  tlie  neighboring  fields  hy  the  troopers,  who  now 
returned,  resuming  their  former  line  of  march.  Mean- 
while, owing  to  the  gloom,  made  still  more  intense  by 
the  heavy  shadows  of  the  surrounding  forest,  the  fall 
of  the  guerilla  chief  had  been  unnoticed,  and  he  lay  by 
the  roadside  until  the  return  of  his  followers,  who  upon 
examination  found  him  so  badly  wounded  that  it  be- 
came necessary  to  construct  a  litter  whereby  to  convey 
him  back  to  camp.  As  this  was  an  unavoidably  slow 
proceeding  it  was  late  in  the  evening  when  they  reached 
the  mountain  encampment.  Thus  the  expedition  had 
utterly  failed,  and  the  design  of  abducting  Nelly  was 
reluctantly  abandoned. 

Ephraim  Stroud,  on  a  bed  of  pain,  cursed  the  ill-luck 
which  had  so  summarily  brought  him  to  his  present  sad 


THE   PRISONER,    GENERAL   STEELE.  297 

coudition,  and  good  fortune  so  signally  deserting  bim  on 
the  eve  of  the  consummation  of  his  most  ardent  de- 
sires. 

The  original  plan  of  the  bold  conspirators  had  been  to 
make  way  with  Duke  Steele,  before  by  any  possibility, 
his  rescue  could  be  effected.  But  under  these  altered 
unforeseen  circumstances,  it  was  deemed  best  to  keep  him 
a  close  prisoner,  providing  him  food  sufficient  only  to 
prevent  actual  starvation,  which  plan  carried  out,  three 
long  weary  months  passed,  the  guerilla  chief  meanwhile 
suffering  the  most  intense  agony  with  little  prospect  of 
ultimate  recovery. 

General  Steele,  confined  in  the  close  underground 
cavern,  shut  out  from  the  light  of  day,  the  air  deadly 
impure,  deprived  of  nourishing  food,  had  now  become 
wasted  to  nearly  a  skeleton;  his  features  pinched  ;  his 
form  emaciated  ;  his  skin  almost  transparent,  and  hia 
limbs  so  attenuated  and  feeble  that  they  could  scarcely 
bear  his  light  weight.  Thus  lying  on  a  hard  couch,  a 
prey  to  the  most  agonizing  emotions ;  hope  of  deliver- 
ance nearly  abandoned  ;  wishing  each  day  might  be  his 
last,  a  ray  of  light  penetrated  his  dismal  abode  and  at 
the  instant,  a  hand  is  lightly  laid  on  his  shoulder,  fol- 
lowed in  a  low  voice,  by  the  injunction,  "Keep  still." 
Lifting  his  nearly  blinded  eyes,  what  should  he  behold 
other  than  the  black  honest  face  of  his  old  devoted  serv- 
ant Eph. 

"  My  God  1 "  whispered  the  delighted  captive,  and 
was  about  to  continue  with  a  blessing  on  the  head 
of  the  boy,  when  he  motioned  him  to  silence,  laconically 
remarking : 

"  Massa  General,  don't  say  nothin." 

The  poor  faithful  colored  boy  had  long  mourned  the 
loss  of  his  beloved  "  Marster,"  he  who  had  so  generously 
cared  for  and  nursed  him  when  lying  sorely  wounded, 
almost  to  death,  bringing  him  back  to  life,  health  and 
strength. 

No  tidings.  No  word  received  from  his  kind  friend. 
Search    abandoned ;    all    hope    of    the    general   being 


298  THE   PRISONER,   GENERAL   STEELE. 

restored  to  liis  friends  gone,  even  should  he  yet  remain 
alive,  considered  at  this  late  day  doubtful,  Eph  had 
secretly  resolved  to  go  in  quest  of  him  unaided  and 
alone.  So  in  his  many  wanderings  to  and  fro,  during 
many  long  weeks  he  had  accidentally,  providentially 
perhaps,  come  upon  the  guerilla  camp.  Lying  in  wait ; 
keeping  close  watch,  meanwhile  suspecting,  yet  scarcely 
daring  to  believe  his  master  a  prisoner  in  the  free- 
booters' stronghold,  he  had  on  this  eventful  morning 
discovered  the  unsuspecting  sentinel  asleep  at  his  ip06t 
Carefully  and  cautiously  working  his  way  to  the  entrance 
of  the  cavern,  at  the  same  time  well-knowing  his 
fate  should  he  be  discovered,  he  heard,  after  a  few 
minutes'  listening,  low  moans  issuing  from  the  mouth  of 
the  well  concealed  interior.  Still  crawling,  worming 
noiselessly  along,  he  soon  found  himself  at  the  bedside 
of  the  one  for  whom  he  had  been  so  long  in  search. 
Then  remaining  silent  for  a  few  moments  until  his  eyes 
became  accustomed  to  the  dim  light,  he  saw  his  master 
lying  in  a  most  miserable  condition  and  in  an  attitude 
of  despair  on  a  dilapidated  cot.  Admonishing  the 
captive  to  remain  silent,  he  said : 

"  Marse  General,  Eph's  guy'n  for  help;  keep  up  good 
courage,  sah,  for  in  tree  or  four  days  you'll  be  rescued. 
Marse  General,  don't  let  de  pesky  grillas  kno  Eph's  been 
hyar."  Then  pressing  the  hand  of  his  old  friend,  he 
bade  him  good-bye,  disappearing'  as  noiselessly  as  he 
came. 

Making  his  way  cautiously  out  of  the  cavern,  hiding 
whenever  possible,  he  successfully  eluded  the  vigilance 
of  the  guard,  soon  finding  himself  on  the  way  down  the 
mountain  side.  About  one-half  of  the  journey  accom- 
plished, falling  hoofs  were  heard,  coming  from  the  oppo- 
site direction,  when  he  dropped  behind  the  friendly 
shelter  of  a  thickly  growing  clump  of  bushes  until  the 
strangers  should  have  passed,  when  he  was  startled  by 
the  appearance  of  a  band  of  guerillas  climbing  the  steep, 
rugged  mountain  pathway,  returning  from  one  of  their 
nocturnal  raids,  as  they  had  in  charge  a  half-score  of 


TflE   PRISONER,    GENERAL   STEELE.  299 

led  mules,  also  a  large  quautitj  of  provisions,  fresh 
meat,  flour,  corn  meal  and  potatoes  strapped  to  the  backs 
of  the  stolen  animals. 

Again  Eph  took  up  his  toilsome  journey,  hurrjing  on 
as  rapidly  as  the  rocky  uneven  surface  of  the  ground 
would  permit,  until  at  length  he  found  himself  in  the 
near  vicinity  of  a  lonely  farm-house,  at  the  same  moment 
spying  in  an  adjacent  field  an  unhappy  looking  mule, 
who,  the  lad  judged,  had  been  left  by  his  owner,  sole 
monarch  of  the  premises  or  for  that  matter  of  all  he 
Surveyed,  for  the  little  life  still  left  within  him  seemed 
the  sum  and  substance  of  all  there  was  in  the  entire 
region  round  about,  as  solitude,  notwithstanding  its  many 
charms,  evidently  reigned  supreme. 

Proceeding  to  an  ancient,  tumble-down  stable,  Eph 
came  across  a  rope  halter,  which  he  placed  on  the  head 
of  the  poor  brute,  who  was  evidently  delighted  at  again 
beholding  the  face  of  a  human  being,  even  though  a 
black  one.  Leading  the  broken-down  beast  to  the  road- 
way, Eph  mounted,  moving  away  as  rapidly  as  the 
feeble  legs  of  the  animal  would  allow,  grateful  for  even 
this  slim  addition  to  his  traveling  resources  for  the  boy 
was  nearly  as  worn  and  exhausted  as  the  mule.  Thus 
he  kept  on  his  way,  seldom  showing  himself  at  any  of 
the  out-of-the-way  cabins  lying  on  his  route,  many  of 
which  were  entirely  deserted,  and  those  which  were  not, 
in  scarcely  a  better  condition  as  regarded  the  necessaries 
of  life.  Still  he  jogged  on,  happy  in  the  thought  of 
being  engaged  in  a  mission  tending  to  the  liberty  and 
life  of  his  master,  both  of  which  were  at  this  moment  in 
the  greatest  jeopardy.  In  this  manner  three  days  passed, 
the  evening  of  the  third  finding  the  pair  nearing  army 
headquarters.  The  stars  and  bars  waving  in  the  distance 
presented  a  sight  both  charming  and  inspiring  to  tlie  half- 
starved  boy,  even  the  mule  sharing  in  the  enthusiasm. 
At  length  reaching  the  encampment,  Eph  rode  up  and 
accosted  an  outlying  sentinel : 

'•  Sail,  can  yo  gib  me  de  direction  ob  de  headquarters 
of  General  Lee  ?  " 


800  THE   PRISONER,   GENERAL   STEELE. 

The  sentinel  seemed  inclined  to  oppose  the  farther 
progress  of  the  sorry  pair.  The  mule  was  scarcely  able 
to  maintain  a  standing  position,  now  and  then  giving 
vent  to  an  agonizing  bray  resembling  the  eftect  of  a  rasp 
on  the  teeth  of  a  cross  cut  saw,  or  a  boy's  first  attempt 
to  draw  notes  from  a  fiddle,  while  Eph  was  evidently 
nearing  the  last  stages  of  exhaustion,  yet  upon  his 
urgent  representation  that  he  had  "business  ob  de 
greatest  'portance  to  transact  with  the  commander-in- 
chief,"  a  corporal  was  summoned  who,  taking  the  lad  in 
charge,  escorted  him  to  the  quarters  and  presence  of  the 
great  commander,  who  with  little  ado,  inquired  in  his 
usual  gentle  manner,  as  to  his  business.  Eph,  overcome 
partially  from  a  sense  of  awe  when  finding  himself  in 
the  presence  of  one  of  whom  he  had  heard  so  much, 
also  from  physical  weakness,  could  only  ejaculate : 

"I'se  fine  him,  I'se  fine  him,  M arse  General." 

"  Found  who,  my  boy  ?  "  questioned  General  Lee. 

"  Massa  General,  sah." 

"  Well,  that's  not  a  very  definite  answer  surely.  Yet 
tell  me  of  whom  you  are  speaking.  What  general  have 
you  found?" 

"  Marse  General  Steele,  sah !  "  ejaculated  Eph. 

"  Found  General  Steele  ?  Who  are  you,  and  what  do 
you  know  of  this,  my  favorite  general  ?  " 

"I'se  his  sarvent,  sah,  and  I'se  don  been  more'n  tree 
weeks  huntin,  an  I'se  don  fine  him  way  ober  de  montin 
dis  side  Oxemford,  sah." 

"  Oh,  yes  ;  Oxford  you  mean,  I  presume?  " 

"Yes,  sah,  Oxemford,  dat  am  it  fo  shua." 

"Why,  my  boy,"  said  the  incredulous  general,  "Gen- 
eral Steele  disappeared,  and  that  most  unaccountably 
three  months  since,  and  notwithstanding  every  efibrt  has 
been  made  that  was  possible  in  any  wise  tending  to  his 
discover}'-,  nothing  has  come  of  it.  Yet,  tell  me  what 
you  know  about  him,  and,  my  word  for  it,  if  you  have, 
as  you  say,  discovered  his  whereabouts  and  the  story 
you  tell  me  proves  to  be  the  truth,  of  a  verity  you  shall 
not  go  unrecompensed." 


THE   PRISONER,    GENERAL   STEELE.  301 

"  Well,  sah,  it  am  de  truf  I'se  tole  you,  fo  Eph  neber, 
no  iieber,  tole  a  lie  in  his  life.  No,  sab,  not  eben  when 
ole  Mam  Cloe  don  pull  him  year,  an  dat  am  the  truf, 
Massa  General,  too,  sab." 

"  Well,  Epb,  I've  no  disposition  to  question  your 
veracity  either  in  the  case  of  Mam  Cloe  or  in  the  pres- 
ent one,  but  you  say  you  have  found  him,  and  now  please 
tell  me  where  and  under  what  circumstances." 

"  Massa  General,  he  war  under  no  circumstances,  but 
in  a  cave,  in  de  side  ob  de  mountain,  whar  he  am  tied 
wid  ropes  an  his  bones  stick  out  all  ober  him.  Deed 
da  do  sah,  an  he  am  mos  dead,  an  dat  am  a  fac." 

"  Can  you  lead  the  soldiers  to  him  ?  "  questioned  Gen- 
eral Lee. 

"  Yes,  sah,  I'se  know  de  way." 

"Well,  well!  Steele  a  prisoner  in  the  mountains!" 
soliloquized  the  general.  "But,"  continuing,  "do  you 
know,  Eph,  who  are  his  captors  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sah,  Lieutenant  Blanchard  an  a  hull  lot  ob 
grillas." 

Summoning  an  aid-de-camp,  the  general  gave  orders 
for  a  squad  of  cavalry  from  Steele's  old  regiment  to 
prepare  for  immediate  duty,  remarking  that  they'd 
make  short  work  of  those  fellows,  who  had  the  audacity 
to  capture  and  keep  in  ignominious  captivity  their  for- 
mer colonel,  to  whom  they  were  greatly  attached. 

The  squad  of  well  equipped  and  thoroughly  armed 
troopers,  some  fifty  in  number,  now  drew  up  in  line  in 
front  of  the  general's  tent,  when  he  gave  them  his  final 
instructions. 

"  Captain  Oglesby,  you  will  proceed  with  all  possible 
dispatch  to  the  rendezvous  of  a  gang  of  outlaws,  headed 
by  Lieutenant  Cyril  Blanchard,  as  this  colored  lad,  who 
will  be  your  guide,  informs  me.  Rescue  General  Steele 
and  let  not  one  of  this  contemptible  gang  of  miscreants 
escape.  Kill  or  capture  every  one  of  them — the  vil- 
lains! It  makes  my  blood  run  cold  to  think  that  an 
officer,  of  whom  I've  stood  so  greatly  in  need,  should  be 
kept  a   prisoner   for  this   length   of  time  in  their  vile 


302  THE   PRISONER,    GENERAL   .STEELE. 

haunts.  Yet  stay.  One  tiling  further ;  if  possible,  in 
your  onslaught,  take  Blanchard  alive.  A  good  subject 
for  example,  and  by  the  Gods!  he  shall  be  made  such. 
Now  my  men,  do  your  duty."  Saying  which  the  gen- 
eral entered  his  tent,  followed  by  the  cheers  of  his  at- 
tached and  willing  soldiers. 

"  Boots  and  saddles  "  then  rang  out  on  the  still  air  of 
evening,  and  in  a  few  moments  fifty  of  General  Lee's 
bravest  troopers  were  on  the  way,  Eph  astride  a  fresh  mule 
in  the  advance,  riding  by  the  side  of  the  gallant  Captain 
Oglesby,  his  pockets  filled  with  hard  tack,  which  he  was 
greedily  munching,  while  his  faithful  old  mule  was 
equally  enjoying  his  hay  and  oats  undisturbed  at  the 
rear  of  the  wagon-master's  quarters. 

Twenty- four  hours'  hard  riding  brought  them  to  the 
vicinity  of  the  outlaws'  camp,  where  coming  to  a  halt, 
their  tired  steeds  were  tethered  and  a  guard  placed  over 
them.  Then  a  circle  was  formed,  completely  surround- 
ing the  well  fortified  encampment. 

The  day  has  scarcely  broken,  no  one  about  the  camp 
stirring,  for  as  they  had  heretofore  remained  in  fancied 
security,  not  in  any  wise  molested,  so  did  they  now. 
The  sentinels  were  evidently  in  the  enjoyment  of  a 
comfortable  morning  nap,  so  the  dragoons  were  enabled 
to  penetrate  nearly  to  the  centre  of  the  camp  undiscov- 
ered, no  suspicion  of  danger  disturbing  the  dreams  of 
the  outlaw  band. 

Anon,  in  clear  ringing  notes  the  bugle  sounds  the 
charge,  the  outlaws  spring  from  their  tents,  to  be  con- 
fronted by  sabre  and  carbine  in  the  hands  of  men  well 
skilled  in  their  use  and  with  hearts  eager  to  avenge  their 
captive  leader. 

As  the  guerillas  leave  their  beds,  each  hand  grasps 
a  weapon,  and  as  they  emerge  from  their  tents,  each 
receives  a  sabor  thrust  or  revolver  shot,  so  that  but  a 
few  moments  are  required  to  end  a  contest  in  which  the 
odds  are  so  unevenly  divided,  and  as  no  quarter  was 
asked  or  given,  the  greater  portion  of  the  outlaw  band 
soon  lay  either  struggling  in  death  agonies,  or  mortally 
wounded. 


THE    PRISONER,    GENERAL   STEELE.  303 

Captain  Oglesby,  now  that  his  services  were  not  re- 
quired at  the  front,  following  in  the  lead  of  Eph,  re- 
paired to  the  mouth  of  the  cavern  where  was  confiued 
General  Steele. 

Hurriedly  entering  its  gloomy  precincts,  he  was  hor- 
rified at  beholding  Cyril  Blanchard,  who  with  sword  up- 
lifted was  about  to  deal  the  captive  a  mortal  blow;  yet 
ere  he  could  do  ought  to  stay  the  blow,  Eph,  who  had 
entered  in  advance,  with  the  swiftness  of  thought  and  the 
bound  of  a  tiger,  was  upon  him. 

Grasping  the  arm  of  the  assassin  at  the  instant  the 
weapon  was  descending,  the  blow  was  turned  aside,  and 
before  Blanchard  could  again  raise  his  weapon,  the  cap- 
tain dealt  him  a  blow  with  the  butt  of  his  revolver  which 
sent  him  reeling  to  the  earth,  where  he  lay  stunned  and 
bleeding. 

Summoning  two  of  his  men,  the  captain  ordered 
Blanchard  bound.  Having  recovered  his  dazed  facul- 
ties, he  sat  glaring  at  his  opponents,  saying  nothing, 
when  the  captain,  turning  his  attention  to  Steele,  said : 

"General,  I  am  sorry  to  find  you  in  this  sad  condition, 
yet  with  good  care,  nourishing  food  and  more  comfort- 
able quarters,  I  trust  you  will  soon  be  brought  round 
all  right.  'Tis  true  we  had  about  given  up  all  hope  of 
again  seeing  you,  but  through  the  heroic  exertion  of 
your  old  Eph,  we  are,  thank  God,  in  time  to  save  you, 
not  only  further  degradation  but  as  I  trust  your  life,  and 
in  the  meantime  bring  this  contemptible  wlielp,  (excuse 
the  ungentlemanly  expression.  General,  but  well  chosen 
language  fails  in  a  case  like  this,)  to  the  justice  he  so 
richly  merits." 

Upon  examination,  the  general  was  found  in  an  almost 
dying  condition;  still  it  was  believed  that  with  proper 
care,  his  life  might  be  saved,  though  possibly  his  health 
not  wholly  restored. 

Lieutenant  Cyril  Blanchard  at  once  comprehended  in 
its  full  meaning  his  present  situation,  and  that  the  game 
he  had  so  skillfully  played  was  up  ;  so  with  a  scowling 
face,  he  quietly  submitted,  making  no  show  of  resist- 
ance, well  knowing  it  would  be  wholly  useless. 


304'  THE   PBISONER,    GENERAL   STEELE. 

He  was  now  led  to  the  outside  of  the  camp,  when  he 
was  taken  in  hand  by  a  squad  of  troopers  who  made 
little  pretence  of  handling  him  with  excessive  caution. 

On  the  contrary,  he  was  jostled  with  rude  hands  and 
with  more  haste  than  might  seem  compatible  with  judi- 
cious care. 

On  looking  over  the  field  of  battle,  four  only  of  the 
whole  number  of  guerillas  were  found  to  have  survived. 
The  remainder  perished,  fighting  bravely,  which  in  a 
worthy  cause  would  have  redounded  to  their  honor,  now 
to  their  shame  and  lasting  disgrace. 

The  general  was  found  in  a  frightfully  weak  condition, 
literally  starved,  and  it  Avas  generally  believed,  that  lu'id 
not  Eph  taken  the  officer  in  hand,  or  had  he  been  de- 
layed in  securing  aid,  the  general  must  inevitably  have 
succumbed  to  his  tortures,  and  thus  would  have  miser- 
ably perished  one  of  the  staunchest  supporters  and  most 
worthy  adherents  to  a  lost  cause. 

It  his  present  weak  and  emaciated  condition,  it  was 
deemed  best  that  he  should  remain  in  the  outlaw  camp 
until  he  had  gained  sufficient  strength  to  be  removed  to 
his  mother's  home  at  Oxford,  where,  under  the  judicious 
treatment  and  loving  care  of  Nelly,  his  chance  for  re- 
covery would  be  augmented  and  doubtless  greatly  hast- 
ened. Therefore  a  small  squad  of  troops  were  left  in 
charge  to  guard  against  future  surprise  by  the  enemy. 

Lieutenant  Blanchard,  together  with  his  companions 
who  were  unhurt,  were  returned  to  army  headquarters  in 
charge  of  the  dragoons,  under  Captain  Oglesby,  where 
soon  after  they  were  summoned  to  the  presence  of  Gen- 
eral Lee,  who  questioned  Blanchard  as  to  his  motive  in 
decoying  and  capturing  the  eminent  commander  of  the 
cavalry  forces,  and  why  he  subjected  him  to  such  harsh 
treatment. 

"  What,"  said  the  indignant  general,  "did  you  expect 
to  gain  when  committing  this  high  handed  outrage? 
What  excuse,  sir,  have  you  to  offer  for  deserting  your 
command  at  a  time  when  every  man's  services,  no  nifitter 
in    how   humble   a  sphere,   were  most  in  demand?     I 


LIEUTENANT   BLANCH ARD's   FATE.  806 

am  confident  yonr  conduct  can  only  be  explained  in  one 
of  two  ways.  You  are  either  demented  or  an  infamous 
scoundrel ;  as  for  cowardice,  I  have  never  suspected  you 
of  that." 

"  Neither,  General,  neither,"  replied  Blanchard.  "  I 
claim  no  clemency  from  dementia,  for  I  well  know 
what  I  was  doing;  as  for  your  second  cliarge, 
scoundralism,  I  leave  that  for  you  to  judge;  and  as  to 
cowardice,  ask  my  comrades.  Yet,  General,  1  do  claim  in 
justification  of  what  you  are  pleased  to  designate  as  my 
offense  this:  General  Steele  has  in  time  past  deeplj'' 
wronged  me.  While  he  has  risen  from  grade  to  grade 
until  reaching  one  of  the  highest  positions  in  the  army, 
I  am  still  in  that  of  subaltern.  While  I  have  gained 
nothing  in  honor  or  fame  he  has  acquired  both.  With 
neither  friends  or  fortune,  he  has  evidently  borne  a 
charmed  life,  no  position  too  high  of  attainment,  no 
honor  too  great  to  be  bestowed  ;  while  on  the  other  hand 
1,  in  the  enjoyment  of  wealth,  social  prominence  and 
influence,  have  not  advanced  one  step  in  promotion,  nor 
one  degree  of  honor.  His,  General  Lee,  is  the  hand, 
the  leading  factor  in  all  my  troubles,  and  on  his  head  I 
determined  the  blame  should  rest,  aye,  where  it  surely 
belonged.  For  the  overwhelming  injuries  inflicted,  I 
sought  revenge.  In  part  I've  been  successful ;  for  the 
portion  remaining  unsatisfied,  I  cheerfully  relinquish  all 
claim.  My  fate,  sir,  is  in  your  hands,  and  having  noth- 
ing further  to  offer  in  justification  of  my  course,  I  can 
only  say,  do  with  me  as  you  will." 


CHAPTER  XLIV. 

LIEUTENANT    BLANCHARD's  FATE. 

JUST  at  the  instant  when  the  beams  of  the  rising  sun 
cast  its  brilliant  rays  over  the  extensive  grounds  of 
the  encampment  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  on 
19 


306  LIEUTENANT   BLANCHARD's   FATE. 

the  morning  succeeding  the  trial  and  sentence  of  the  ill- 
fated  Blanchard,  a  detail  of  infantry,  led  by  a  sergeant, 
were  observed  filing  down  one  of  the  main  avenues  leading 
to  the  grounds  devoted  to  drill  and  dress  parade,  a  muffled 
drum  beating  time  to  the  slow  movement  of  the  troops. 

In  the  centre  of  the  battalion  of  soldiers,  arms 
tightly  bound,  head  uncovered,  in  civilian  costume, 
walked  a  young  man,  on  whom  all  eyes  were  turned,  as 
the  principal  figure  in  the  drama  about  to  be  enacted. 

He  appeared  neither  cast  down  nor  mindful  of  his 
perilous  situation.  On  the  contrary,  he  carried  himself 
as  one  might  imagine  the  martyrs  of  olden  times  bore 
themselves  when  on  the  way  to  the  stake  well  knowing 
the  torch  and  fagot  there  awaited  them. 

At  a  little  distance  and  near  by  the  point  where  halt 
was  ordered,  might  be  seen  a  newly  dug  grave ;  near  its 
brink  a  rudely  made  coffin. 

Obeying  the  command  of  the  officer  in  charge,  the 
little  party  advanced,  taking  position  near  the  side  of 
the  yawning  vault,  when  the  young  man  knelt,  a  hand- 
kerchief on  the  instant  drawn  and  tightly  bound  across 
his  brow,  covering  the  eyes  and  concealing  the  upper 
portion  of  his  face. 

At  a  little  distance  to  the  right,  stood  a  group  of  offic- 
ers in  cavalry  undress  uniform,  while  several  rods  in  an 
opposite  direction,  were  gathered  in  groups,  a  score  or 
more  of  the  comrades  of  the  one  for  whom  these  prep- 
arations were  being  made. 

The  chaplain,  an  old  war-worn  veteran,  who  had  ever 
held  the  victim  in  the  highest  esteem  as  a  brave  soldier 
and  worthy  member  of  the  regiment,  stood  by  his  side, 
prayer-book  in  hand,  intoning  scriptural  texts  common 
to  similar  occasions,  his  trembling  tones  suggesting  the 
painful  emotions  agitating  his  mind. 

Following  the  scriptural  readings,  was  the  burial  service, 
taken  as  a  whole  a  most  impressive  scene  and  one  well 
calculated  to  impress  with  the  utmost  solemnit}^  not 
only  its  active  participators,  but  the  spectators  as  well, 
Tlie  morning  made  bright  by  the  yellow  beams  of  the 


LIEUTENANT   BLANCHARD's  FATE,  307 

sun,  uow  mounting  higher  in  the  heavens,  the  serene 
atmosphere,  the  neatly  arranged  grounds  of  the  extensive 
military  encampment,  dotted  with  a  vast  sea  of  snowy 
tents,  the  broad  folds  of  the  Confederate  stars  and  bars 
lazily  waving  in  the  gentle  breeze,  the  burnished  arms  of 
the  soldiery  reflecting  the  rays  of  the  sun,  birds  sweetly 
in  chirping  the  neighboring  thickets — all  these  lent  a 
charm  directly  contrary  to  the  solemn  scene.  Thus  nature 
seemed  desirous  of  exhibiting  her  greatest  charms  in 
mockery  of  the  spirit  of  the  poor  mortal,  who  having 
taken  a  last  fond  'look  at  the  beauties  of  earthly  scenes 
and  its  fleeting  joys,  silently  awaited  the  dread  sum- 
mons, the  last  of  earth. 

The  file  of  soldiers  now  advanced,  taking  position  ten 
paces  in  front  of  the  doomed  man.  At  this  instant,  the 
roar  of  the  distant  signal  gun,  accompanied  by  the  boom 
of  the  deep-toned  bell  from  the  tower  of  St.  Stephens, 
proclaimed  the  moment  had  arrived  for  the  execution. 

The  word  of  command  was  about  to  be  given,  car- 
bines in  the  hands  of  the  executioners  were  raised,  the 
signal  held  aloft  by  the  officer  in  charge  was  about  to 
drop,  aim  had  been  taken,  the  command  "fire,"  lingered 
on  the  lips,  and  was  just  about  to  be  given,  when  sud- 
denly the  form  of  a  female  on  the  back  of  a  swiftly 
ridden  steed,  was  seen  approaching  at  headlong  speed,  in 
her  hand  a  white  handkerchief,  franticall}'-  waving 
which  aloft,  she  cries  in  piercing  accents  : 

"  Hold!  On  your  lives,  hold  ;  a  reprieve  !  Hold  till 
I  can  speak  with  you," 

The  carbines  were  instantly  lowered,  meanwhile  the 
rider,  leaping  from  the  saddle,  drops  on  her  knees  by 
tlie  side  of  the  bound  man,  whose  form  she  clasps  in 
her  arms,  whispering  in  his  ear,  "  Cyril  you  are  saved  1  " 
Then  springing  to  her  feet,  she  hands  the  sergeant  an 
order  from  General  Lee,  demanding  the  execution  stayed  ; 
then  turning  to  the  astonished  lieutenant,  she  tears  the 
bandage  from  his  eyes,  cuts  the  cords  from  his  arms, 
when  he  rises  to  his  feet,  if  not  a  free,  yet  a  living 
man. 


808  LIEUTENANT   BLANCHABD's  TATE. 

Each  moment  expecting  death,  Cjril  Blanchard  could 
with  difficulty  realize  that  he  was  saved,  the  strong  re- 
vulsion of  feeling  nearly  overpowering  bis  already  over- 
cited  nerves  ;  so  it  was  some  little  time  ere  he  was  able 
to  maintain  an  erect  position,  or  even  to  evince  the 
gratitude  uppermost  in  his  mind  to  the  one  who  had  so 
opportunely  appeared  in  his  behalf.  While  he  had  of- 
ten braved  death  at  the  cannons'  mouth  with  scarcely  a 
tremor,  faced  the  charge's  fierce  onslaught  with  little 
thought  of  danger,  ridden  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight 
without  suspicion  of  cowardice,  now  from  this  wholly  un- 
looked  for  reprieve,  he  was  greatly  shaken. 

That  Carrie  Foster,  the  maiden  he  so  dearly  loved, 
should  have  thus  stepped  in  between  himself  and  death 
at  a  moment  when  scarcely  a  hair's  breadth  separated 
him  from  either  a  joyous  future  or  an  unmourned,  dis- 
honored, miserable  end,  seemed  wonderful.  An  act  so 
wholly  unexpected  was  certainly  beyond  his  comprehen- 
sion. 

The  executioners  were  now  dismissed  to  their  quar- 
ters, Blanchard  led  back  to  the  guard  house,  and  a  court 
of  inquiry  immediately  convened.  Additional  facts, 
meanwhile,  having  an  important  bearing  on  the  case,  were 
elicited,  through  examination  of  the  Confederate  spy, 
which  together  with  her  iirgent  appeals  for  mercy, 
coupled  with  the  numerous  services  rendered  by  her  to 
the  Confederate  cause,  were  the  main  factors  leading  not 
only  to  reprieve,  but  eventually  to  the  discharge  and  re- 
instalment  of  Lieutenant  Blanchard  to  his  former  rank 
in  his  regiment. 


A  few  days'  sojourn  at  the  guerilla  camp  under  the 
watchful  care  and  thoughtful  attention  of  his  comrades, 
had  improved  the  condition  of  General  Steele  to  such  a 
degree  that  he  was  removed  to  his  mother's  home,  where, 
it  is  needless  to  sa}'',  he  was  received  with  much  rejoicing 
by  both  his  mother  and  Nelly,  under  whose  loving  care 
he  rapidly  gained  strength,  soon  being  enabled  to  sit  up 


THE    VOYAGE   OF   DISCOVERY.  309 

a  portion  of  the  time,  now  and  then  taking  a  short  ride. 
Yet  his  constitution  was  so  greatly  shaken  and  un- 
dermined, it  coald  scarcely  be  expected  he  would  again 
be  able  to  take  command  or  participate  in  future  engage- 
ments. In  fact,  the  time  had  at  length  arrived  when  his 
presence,  in  whatever  capacity,  would  be  of  but  little 
account,  for  with  General  Lee  completely  hemmed  in  at 
Richmond,  his  forces  at  Petersburg  surrounded,  supplies 
from  day  to  day  lessened,  it  was  simply  a  matter  of  time 
when  surrender  would  remain  the  only  alternative.  His 
only  trust  now  lay  in  the  hoped-for  successful  issue  of 
the  contemplated  engagement  between  the  army  under 
General  Johnston  and  the  forces  under  General  Sherman. 
The  latter  beaten,  Johnston  would  thus  turn  to  the 
aid  of  General  Lee,  and  the  relief  of  the  Confederate 
capital.  Thus  both  armies  consolidated  would  fall  upon 
the  Federals  under  General  Grant  with  a  reasonable 
hope  of  success.  But  Sherman  was  not  beaten,  neither 
did  Johnston  appear  to  the  succor  of  General  Lee.  The 
strong  walls  of  the  Confederacy  were  surely  crumbling, 
its  pillars  one  by  one  falling,  as  prophesied  by  Lieuten- 
ant Cyril  Blanchard. 


CHAPTER  XLY. 

THE  VOYAGE  OF  DISCOVERY. 

ETURNTNG  once  more  to  the  islanders  whom  we 
last  left  at  sea  on  board  the  little  vessel,  hav- 
ing set  out  on  a  voyage  of  adventures,  possibly  of  dis- 
covery, characterized  by  Csesar  as  "a  berry  foolish  ting 
to  do,"  we  now  find  them  many  miles  distant  from  "  de 
beautiful  home,"  eulogized  by  the  enthusiastic  colored 
lad  as  "de  finest  place  in  de  hull  world." 

They  had  been  saihng  since  the  early  morning,  now  it 
was  midday,  as  Csesar  said,  "time  fo  dinna."  So  he 
produced  the  provisions  stored  in  the  locker  at  the  bow, 


310  THE   VOYAGE  OF   DISCOVERY. 

but  as  neither  tea  or  coffee  were  available,  resort  was  had 
to  the  water  jug,  and  while  this  was  not  all  that  could 
be  desired,  they  were  fain  to  be  content. 

No  land  had  as  jet  appeared,  no  sail  greeted  their 
vision,  though  the  shores  of  their  own  island  had  long 
since  sunk  beneath  the  horizon  ;  even  the  tops  of  the 
tallest  trees  and  mountain  summits  had  faded  in  the  dis- 
tance. Still  they  pushed  ahead,  the  breeze  fair  and  with 
a  cloudess  sky;  so  aside  from  the  excessive  heat,  the  day 
was  all  that  could  be  desired.  Ab  a  preventative  of  the 
sun's  burning  rays,  an  awning  was  now  stretched,  ex- 
tending from  either  side  of  the  outrigged  platform, 
formed  from  some  old  sail  cloth,  still  in  quite  good  re- 
pair, though  showing  the  handiwork  of  one  not  thor- 
oughly skilled  in  the  use  of  the  needle. 

Thus  the  day  passed  without  special  incident,  until 
night  drawing  near,  the  sun  quickly  sank  beneath  the 
distant  waves,  and  they  must  spend  the  hours  of  the 
long  dark  night  surrounded  by  a  wide  waste  of  v/aters. 
Still  no  thought  of  turning  back  was  indulged  by  either 
the  captain  or  Herman,  while  Caesar  earnestly  plead, 
urging  them  so  to  do,  crying,  "  Oh  !  Massa  Captain,  we 
will  nebba,  no  nebba,  see  our  butiful  home  no  more, 
dat  we  won't  fo  shual  " 

The  poor  frightened  fellow  meanwhile  shed  bitter  tears 
at  the  thought  of  thus  deserting  a  place  of  refuge  from 
the  storms  of  life,  endeared  as  it  was  bj^  ties  of  affection 
such  as  he  had  never  before  experienced. 

"Oh!  yes,  Caesar,"  said  the  captain  in  cheery  reasur- 
ing  tones,  "we  will  return  to  our  old  home  in  good  time, 
but  you  know,  we  have  set  out  to  be  absent  a  stipulated 
length  of  time,  and  it  won't  do  to  become  faint-hearted 
now.  So  brace  up,  my  boy,  keep  up  your  courage,  and, 
when  the  allotted  time  has  elapsed,  we'll  right  about  face 
on  the  homeward  run.  In  the  meantime,  it's  possible 
we'll  make  some  grand  discovery." 

"  1  doan  want  to  make  no  discobery,"  said  the  dis- 
consolate Ca3sar ;  "  I  want  to  go  back  to  our  butiful 
home," 


THE   VOYAGE   OP   DISCOVERY,  811 

The  poor  fellow  couldn't  relinquish  his  treasure  for  all 
the  grand  discoveries  agitating  the  mind  of  his  good 
friend  the  captain.  However,  soon  relapsing  into  silence, 
he  fell  asleep,  not  waking  until  the  sun  made  its  appear- 
ance on  the  following  morning ;  then,  suddenly  springing 
to  his  feet  before  having  fully  regained  his  waking  facul- 
ties, imagining  himself  in  the  little  bunk  at  home,  he 
ejaculated,  "  Caesar  must  start  a  fire,  for  it  am  late." 
Then  discovering  his  mistake,  he  silently  withdrew  from 
the  locker  their  now  somewhat  diminished  stock  of  pro- 
visions, quietly  placing  them  before  his  hungry  compan- 
ions. 

On  this  morning,  the  sun  rose  surrounded  by  a  hazy, 
threatening  atmosphere,  while  banks  of  heavy  clouds 
liung  on  the  horizon,  their  yellow,  purplish  edges  now 
and  again  opening  to  a  background  of  blue,  the  general 
appearance,  as  the  captain  averred,  "  betokening  a  storm." 

As  the  sun  rose,  so  did  the  wind,  until  it  became 
nearly  a  gale,  and  as  they  were  heading  a  northwesterly 
course,  the  stiff  breeze,  coming  from  the  opposite  direc- 
tion, they  could  not  well  turn  back,  as  it  was  a  matter 
of  impossibility  for  the  little  craft  to  beat  against  the 
heavy  surges  bearing  down  upon  them.  So  they  were 
forced  ahead  wheresoever  wind  and  wave  impelled  them. 

From  the  speed  maintained  since  leaving  the  island, 
the  captain  judged  they  had  sailed  not  less  than  a  hun- 
dred miles  ;  but  as  the  wind  for  the  past  hour  had 
momentarily  increased  in  velocity,  and  as  they  were 
running  before  it,  making  probably  from  ten  to  twelve 
miles  an  hour,  the  distance  now  must  be  much  greater. 
So  in  this  way  they  stood  on  until  noon. 

The  sun,  while  somewhat  obscured  by  the  haziness  of 
the  atmosphere,  had  up  to  this  time  been  visible;  but 
now,  overshadowed  by  darkening  clouds,  momentarily 
growing  more  dense,  it  was  wholly  lost  to  view. 

To  add  to  the  gravity  of  the  situation,  the  wind  con- 
tinued rising,  the  white  crested  waves  lifted  their  heads, 
rolling,  tossing,  beating  the  sides  of  the  little  vessel,  not 
as  yet  however  sufficiently  to  endanger  the  lives  of  its 


812  THE    VOYAGE   OF   DISCOVERY. 

occupants,  as  the  craft  skimmed  over  the  waters  easily 
and  lightly.  Still  it  required  the  utmost  efibrts  of  the 
captain  at  the  helm  to  prevent  her  from  falling  into  the 
trough  of  the  sea,  in  which  event  they  must  inevitably 
have  been  swallowed  up  in  the  bosom  of  the  raging 
deep. 

But  how  about  Caesar  the  while,  as  partially  crouch- 
ing and  partly  lying  on  the  platform,  he  presents  a  pic- 
ture of  the  most  abject  misery ;  so  utterly  dazed  that  he 
seemed  entirely  oblivious  to  his  surroundings.  Tearing 
winds,  raging  seas  and  beating  waves  have  no  terrors;  he 
is  past  all  that.  Having  completely  given  way  to  hia 
fears,  he  is  like  a  water-logged  vessel  which  the  fury  of 
the  storm  can  harm  no  more. 

"  I  say,  Herman,  what  is  that  in  the  distance,  the  cloudy 
appearance  on  yon  horizon  ?  " 

All  eyes  were  now  directed  to  the  distant  object  evi- 
dently lying  directly  in  their  pathway,  until  the  cap- 
tain again  spoke: 

"  It  is  most  surely  land  and  it  ap})ears  like  the  crest 
of  a  range  of  hills,  perhaps  mountains.  Look,  my  boy," 
continued  the  thoroughly  aroused  captain,  "  it  still  lifts, 
and  at  the  rate  we  are  running,  we  will  soon  be  able  to 
make  it  out." 

A  half  hour  now  had  passed  in  breathless  expectation, 
when  it  had  so  far  risen  to  view  that  any  one  with  the 
least  experience  would  have  little  trouble  in  determin- 
ing its  character  as  none  other  than  a  large  body  of  land 
stretching  away  on  either  hand  further  than  the  eye  can 
reach. 

Now  were  seen  the  huge  trunks  of  lofty  trees,  their 
branches  heavily  laden  with  great  masses  of  tropical 
foliage,  clothing  hillside  and  mountain  top  with  the 
richest  verdure. 

A  chain  of  lofty  heights  wooded  from  base  to  crown, 
before  were  blue  and  purple,  now  wearing  warm  rich 
coloring  of  tropical  splendor,  formed  a  scene  greeting 
the  eyes  and  senses  of  the  astonished  onlookers,  drawing 
fresh  exclamations  of  delight,  save  in  the  instance  of 


THE   VOYAGE   OF   DISCOVERY.  313 

Caesar,  who  motiooless  and  unobservant,  could  only  sigh, 
"Me  no  see  my  butiful  home  no  mo !  " 

Still  the  shores  continued  rising  more  and  more  dis- 
tinctly to  view,  while  around  and  on  every  side,  extend- 
ed one  continuoas  unbroken  chain  of  coral  reefs  and 
sunken  rocks  their  crests  scarcely  showing  above  the 
surface  of  the  tumultuous  waves. 

The  craft  was  in  great  danger  of  being  wrecked  by 
being  brought  into  collision  with  the  hidden  reefs,  and 
here  was  exhibited  in  an  eminent  degree  the  fore- 
thought in  designing  the  outriggings,  as  thereby  the 
little  vessel  was  buoyed  up,  riding  high  on  the  surface 
of  the  billows,  now  rising  to  a  considerable  height. 
However,  it  was  quite  evident  the  situation  was  not 
devoid  of  peril,  the  utmost  skill  and  good  judgment  of 
the  experianced  sailor  being  required  to  keep  the  craft 
on  her  course,  as  a  trifling  error  in  the  management  of 
the  rudder  must  have  caused  it  to  be  overturned,  pre- 
cipitating the  voyagers  into  the  midst  of  the  raging 
waters. 

"Herman,"  shouted  the  bewildered  captain,  "what  in 
goodness'  name  is  that  flying  from  yonder  hill  ?  "  Then 
continuing  in  excited  tones,  "May  I  be  blessed  if  it  ain't 
a  flag!  Look,  my  boy,  your  eyes  are  younger  than 
mine,  tell  me  what  it's  like." 

Gazing  long  and  earnestly  on  what  was  evidently  a 
large  banner  floating  from  the  top  of  a  tall  mast,  Her- 
man exclaimed : 

"Am  I  awake  or  am  I  a  dreaming?  Let  me  rub  my 
eyes."  Then  after  another  long  and  ardent  look  turned 
on  his  friend,  as  though  he  would  challenge  him  to 
mortal  combat,  unbounded  astonishment  depicted  on 
every  line  of  his  face,  his  emotions  evidently  beyond 
control,  he,  in  hysterical  tones  ejaculated,  "  My  God ! 
The  American  flag,  the  banner  of  our  native  land,  the 
stars  and  stripes  ! — But,  Captain,"  he  burst  forth  afresh, 
"whnt  means  it  that  there  are  only  thirteen  stars?" 

"  More  than  I  can  tell,  my  boy.  Probably  we  will  soon 
learn,  however,  all  about  it.     This  beats  all.     God  bless 


814  THE    VOYAGE   OF   DISCOVERY. 

my  soul !  "  But  tlie  words  had  scarcely  escaped  his 
lips,  when  a  tremendous  burst  of  artillery  thundered 
forth  from  the  summit  of  a  steep  hill  in  tlieir  front,  at 
the  same  instant,  the  flag  ascending  to  the  topmost  point 
of  the  mast,  its  folds  spreading  wide  to  the  breeze. 

The  little  craft  now  flying  over  the  high  rolling  bil- 
lows, seemed  about  to  be  dashed  on  the  rocky  shore, 
when  suddenly  it  slid  into  a  cove  of  comparatively  still 
water. 

Now  a  strange  thing  happened,  if  such  it  could  be 
called  after  so  jnany  of  a  like  character  had  been  en- 
countered, each  seemingly  more  strange  than  the  one 
preceding.  A  man  in  the  costume  and  with  the  bear- 
ing of  a  soldier,  though  it  must  be  owned  of  a  peculiar 
type,  emerged  from  the  foiest,  stepping  out  in  full  view, 
on  a  narrow  ledge  or  platform  some  hundred  feet  above 
the  point  whereon  they  were  standing.  His  form  was 
encased  in  swallow-tailed  coat  and  buff  waistcoat,  both 
ornamented  with  large  gilt  buttons.  His  legs  were 
encased  in  knee  breeches,  from  the  pocket  dangled  a 
huge  seal,  while  his  lower  extremities  were  clad  in 
woolen  stockings  reaching  above  to  the  knee  and  held  in 
place  by  garters ;  his  feet  covered  by  low  cut  shoes  orna- 
mented at  the  instep  by  brass  buckles.  Eigidly  enclos- 
ing his  neck  as  in  a  vice  was  a  leathern  stock,  compell- 
ing liis  head  to  retain  an  upright  position  as  if  in  con- 
stant prayer,  his  hair  falling  to  the  shoulder  in  yellow 
straggling  locks,  his  countenance  fresh  and  not  unpleas- 
ing,  his  appearance  betokening  great  astonishment. 
Over  his  right  shoulder  was  thrown  an  old  fashioned 
flint-lock  Queen  Anne  musket,  while  resting  in  a  leathern 
belt  at  his  side  depended  a  long  sharp-pointed  bayonet. 

Keeping  an  eye  on  this  singular  being,  a  sentinel 
doubtless  stationed  at  this  outpost,  the  strangers  luid 
continued  to  advance,  soon  reaching  by  a  narrow,  wind- 
ing, little  traveled  roadway,  a  point  on  a  level  and  but 
a  few  paces  distant,  from  the  guard,  who  bringing  his 
cumbersome  weapon  to  present  arms,  first  fixing  the  bay- 
onet, shouted  in  stentorian  tones. 


THE   VOYAGE   OF   DISCOVERY.  816 

"  Who  cometh  there  ?  " 

"Sailors  on  a  cruise,"  replied  the  captain. 

"  Sailors  on  a  cruise  advance  and  give  ye  counter- 
sign," demanded  the  sentinel. 

"  Well,  here's  a  rum  go,"  to  Herman.  Then  in  answer 
to  the  challenge,  "  My  friend,  having  but  a  few  moments 
since  arrived  from  a  neighboring  friendly  port,  it  is  not 
to  be  supposed  we  are  sufficiently  acquainted  with  your 
customs,  signs,  grips  and  pass  words,  to  be  able  to  give 
them  on  the  instant.  You  w^ill  therefore  please  ground 
that  deadly  weapon,  whatever  be  its  nature,  artillery  or 
small  arms,  or  a  cross  between  the  two,  and  let  us 
pass." 

Without  heeding  the  words  of  the  captain,  the  guard 
said,  "Remain  where  you  are  I  I  would  hold  speech  with 
my  brethren  in  arms  concerning  ye  strange  appearance 
in  these  realms." 

"  Well,  ray  eye,"  ejaculated  the  captain,  "  if  this  don't 
beat  the  Dutch !  Where  are  we,  anyhow,  and  have  we 
by  some  hook  or  crook  gone  back  a  couple  of  hundred 
years  ?  I  allowed  to  Caesar,  we  were  on  a  voyage  of  dis- 
covery, but  I'll  be  hanged  if  I  expected  to  come  across 
a  people  like  this,  perhaps  a  detached  portion  of  New 
England  of  a  couple  of  centuries  ago." 

"  Well,"  replied  Herman,  "  may  be  that  somewhere 
along  in  the  seventeenth  century,  one  of  Jules  Verne's 
catastrophies  happened;  a  comet  or  some  other  tramp 
planet  collided  with  that  portion  of  the  United  States, 
whisking  off  a  slice  in  this  direction." 

"  Yal  ya!  "  interposed  Caesar,  who,  from  being  safe  on 
shore,  had  regained  his  equilibrium,  recovering  from  the 
fright  and  melancholly  forebodings  of  the  previous  day, 
and  was  now  becoming  much  interested  in  the  novel 
situation  and  fast  losing  sight,  "  ob  de  butiful  home  he 
should  see  no  mo."  "  I'se  tole  yo  so.  Nebba  to  try  to 
discobba  nothin,  and  now  hayer  we  am,  de  fust  ting  to 
discubba  a  solger  wid  a  cannon  on  his  shoulder.  Fo  de 
Lawd,  Massa  Captain,  hope  he  don  pint  it  at  dis  nigga." 

The  sentinel  now   returned,  accompanied  by  a  half- 


816  THE   VOYAGE   OF  DISCOVERY. 

dozen  counterparts  of  himself,  the  same  style  of  dress, 
cocked  hat,  plume,  long  woolen  stockings,  shoes,  gilt 
buckles  and  falling  to  their  shoulders  the  same  yellow 
locks  of  straggling  bair,  while  each  held  in  his  hand  the 
bayonet-tipped  musket,  or  as  Csesar  said — and  he  was 
not  far  out  of  the  way — cannon. 

Striding  forward  with  regular  step  and  military  pre- 
cision, they  advanced,  taking  position  in  line.  The 
leader  in  addition  to  the  heavy  piece  of  ordnance,  wore, 
depending  from  his  side,  a  cutlass.  When  all  were 
arranged  in  due  form,  he  spoke  : 

"  By  ye  grace  of  God  and  King  George  the  Third,  or 
whomsoever  may  be  successor  to  the  throne,  who  have 
we  here?  Are  ye  from  another  world?  Else,  why  do 
ye  invade  these  our  peaceable  dominions?  Come  ye 
armed  with  ye  sword  of  Gideon  ;  or  why  do  ye  go  about 
with  the  carnal  weapons  ? "  This  in  reference  to  the 
weapons  of  an  improved  pattern  carried  by  both  the 
captain  and  Herman,  who,  at  the  last,  decided  'twould 
do  no  harm  in  any  event  to  go  armed,  also  a  shining 
broad-headed  axe  in  the  hand  of  Cgesar.  "  Do  ye  come 
of  thine  own  free  will,  or  are  ye  messengers  from  ye 
powers  of  darkness,  sent  as  a  scourge  ?  " 

"  Heaven  and  earth !  "  whispered  the  captain  in  the  ear 
of  his  companion,  "  what  do  the  confounded  hypocrites 
mean  by  this  outlandish  gibberish?  " 

Again  the  leader  spoke,  saying:" 

"  Ye  can  can  come  with  us,  yet  before  admitting  ye  to 
our  midst,  we  must  speak  with  ye  governor,  also  ye 
elders,  wherefore  follow  me  and  tliese,  my  brethren,  to 
ye  sacred  precincts  of  ye  tabernacle,  when  ye  shall  be 
judged  by  one  who  sitteth  on  high,  yea,  who  holdeth 
in  his  hand  ye  power  of  life  and  death." 


IN  THE   PRESENCE   OF   THE   GOVERNOR.  817 


CHAPTER  XLVI. 

IN  THE  PRESENCE  OF  THE  GOVERNOR. 

rilHB  commander  of  the  squad  at  once  formed  his 
I  comrades  in  line,  Caesar  to  the  rear,  still  holding 
to  the  axe.  Thus  giving  the  word,  the  entire  company 
started,  advancing  onward  to  more  level  ground,  when  a 
strange  wierd,  yet  nevertheless  enchanting  scene  broke 
on  their  vision. 

The  ground  rising  for  some  distance  in  a  gentle 
ascent,  at  length  terminated  in  a  level  plateau  extending 
further  than  the  eye  could  reach.  From  the  brow  of  the 
hill,  a  broad  roadway  led  to  the  town  some  half  mile 
distant,  while  on  either  side  rose  a  majestic  wood,  the 
branches  loaded  with  many  masses  of  tropical  foliage. 

Advancing  still  further,  they  came  to  tlie  gateway  of 
a  massive  fortress  whose  gray  stone  walls  rose  to  a  con- 
siderable height,  surmounted  by  a  tower  from  whose 
topmost  pinnacle  was  upreared  a  mast  thirty  feet  in 
length,  bearing  the  flag  observed  by  the  travelers  when 
yet  far  out  to  sea. 

The  walls  of  this  strongly  constructed  fortress  were 
pierced  for  musketry,  while  from  the  parapets  and  high 
embrasures  protruded  the  frowning  muzzles  of  a  number 
of  pieces  of  artillery.  But  what  struck  the  strangers  as 
the  most  singular  of  all  was  the  fact  that  while  the 
colors  bore  the  usual  number  of  stripes,  there  were  but 
thirteen  stars. 

Pacing  back  and  forth  on  the  outer  works,  were  ob- 
served several  sentinels  carrying  arms,  the  same  size  and 
style  as  those  borne  by  the  guard  having  in  charge 
the  strangers,  whom  they  were  escorting  to  the  taber- 
nacle and  presence  of  the  governor. 

Passing  the  outer  gateway  leading  through  the  arched 


818  IN   THE   PRESENCE   OF   THE   GOVERNOR. 

interior  of  the  fortress,  wliose  walls  towered  liigli  above, 
tliey  emerged  on  an  open  plain  whereon  the  town  was 
located,  a  broad  paved  avenue  leading  to  the  business 
portion. 

Advancing  along  this  highway,  the  town,  as  viewed 
through  the  openings  of  the  large  forest  trees,  presented 
a  most  beautiful  appearance.  Stretching  away  on  either 
hand,  were  picturesque  clusters  of  houses,  one  story 
high,  uniform  in  size  and  design  ;  while  on  one  side  of  a 
large  open  square,  rose  a  structure  two  stories  in  height, 
surmounted  by  a  dome  glistening  in  the  bright  sun's 
rays  not  unlike  burnished  silver. 

From  the  top  of  the  dome  extending  upward  some 
twenty  feet,  rose  a  spar  from  which  waved  the  folds  of  a 
flag  in  design  the  same  as  that  floating  from  the  tower 
of  the  fortress. 

At  the  instant  the  strangers  emerged  from  the  inner 
gateway  to  the  plain,  they  were  startled  by  the  report 
of  a  heavy  piece  of  artillery  from  overhead,  the  signal 
gun  announcing  some  unexpected  event,  certainly  un- 
expected guests. 

As  the  strangers  moved  along  the  avenue,  musket  in 
hand,  Ctesar  bringing  up  the  rear,  axe  on  his  shoulder,  a 
most  ludicrous,  probably  ridiculous  spectacle  was  pre- 
sented, for  when  setting  out  on  the  expedition,  little 
regard  was  paid  to  their  style  of  dress,  scarcely  expect- 
ing to  meet  a  people  inhabiting  a.  populous,  presumably 
wealthy,  city.  So  they  were  clad  in  their  everyday  suits, 
in  point  of  fact  they  had  no  other,  as  the  clothing  worn 
when  they  landed  from  the  Black  Eagle,  hoarded  and 
preserved  with  all  possible  diligence,  was  long  since 
worn  out.  So  they  had  recourse  to  the  skins  of  wild 
beasts,  little  regard  being  paid  to  style  or  fit,  and  their 
clothes  being  essentially  "home  made,"  their  present  ap- 
pearance was  not  well  calculated  to  improve  their  ap- 
pearance or  tell  largely  in  their  favor. 

As  tliey  neared  the  public  square,  multitudes  of 
citizens,  old  and  young,  male  and  female,  were  observed 
pressing  forward  in  answer  to  the  summons  thundered 


IN   THE   PKESENCE  OF   THE   GOVERNOR.  319 

forth  from  the  walls  of  the  fortress,  in  eager  anticipation 
of  witnessing  a  sight  such  as  no  one  of  them  had  ever 
before  beheld,  "  a  people  from  another  world." 

As  the  J  neared  the  square,  a  small  body  of  armed 
men  filed  from  out  the  tabernacle,  taking  position  within 
the  grounds,  clad  in  the  same  way  as  the  guard.  On 
tlie  opposite  side,  a  large  platform  raised  some  six  feet 
from  the  ground,  was  occupied  by  a  dignified  body  of 
middle-aged  meo,  ten  in  number,  ranged  on  either  side 
of  a  most  remarkable  looking  man,  seated  in  an  arm 
chair  of  exceedingly  large  proportions. 

This  central  figure  of  the  distinguished  group  was  an 
aged  personage  of  venerable  aspect,  heavy  build,  a  white 
beard  falling  to  his  breast,  his  dress  in  cut  and  material 
like  that  of  tiiose  by  whom  he  was  surrounded,  similar 
to  that  of  Puritanic  times — conical  high  peaked  hat 
from  which  depended  a  black  plume,  while  his  shoulders 
were  covered  by  a  broad  caped  cloak,  falling  to  the 
knees.  His  limbs  from  waist  to  knee  were  encased  in 
short  breeches,  silk  stockings  reaching  from  liis  knee  to 
his  low-cut  shoes,  ornamented  with  huge  silver  buckles, 
together  completing  a  costume  the  relic  of  long  past 
generations.  While  at  the  side  of  the  ancient  patriarch, 
as  also  each  one  of  the  councillors  suspended  from  an 
enameled  leather  belt,  hung  a  symmetrical  fine  tempered 
sword  encased  in  a  steel  scabbard. 

On  the  western  side  of  the  square  were  gathered 
citizens  of  either  sex  and  all  ages,  clad  in  the  style  of 
past  times.  In  front  of  the  body  of  soldiers,  stood  the 
commander  of  the  military  forces,  in  the  midst  of  his 
staff,  all  of  whatsoever  degree  or  station  observing  the 
most  dignified  silence  and  composure. 

The  countenances  of  the  people  so  hastily  assembled, 
as  also  the  officials,  denoted  the  most  intense  wonder, 
and  curiosity,  mingled  with  astonishment,  not  so  much 
perhaps  from  the  outward  appearance  of  the  strangers 
nor  their  unique  costumes  as  from  the  fact  that  they 
were  the  first  and  only  civilized  human  beings  that  they 
had  ever  beheld,  other  than  their  own  people. 


320  IN   THE   PRESENCE   OF   THE   GOVERNOR. 

It  was  to  them  as  if  these  strangers  had  without 
warning,  dropped  into  their  midst  from  the  skies,  and 
the  wonderment  was  none  the  less  shared  by  these 
adventurers  suddenly  coming  upon  a  thriving,  wealthy 
happy  community,  numbering  many  hundred  souls,  in 
this  remote  and  hitherto  unheard  of  laud.  Surely  an  evens 
far  exceeding  the  wildest  anticipations  of  the  captain, 
who  in  reply  to  Caesar  had  said,  "  We  may  make  some 
grand  discovery," 

The  governor  signalling,  the  strangers  were  led  to 
his  presence  and  given  seats  in  full  view  of  the 
audience,  when  the  band,  filing  from  the  rear  of  the 
tabernacle,  took  station  to  the  right  and  rear  of  the 
©ouncil. 

The  musicians,  ten  in  number,  were  for  the  most  part 
young  men,  though  the  leader  seemed  well  along  in 
years. 

The  instruments  were  the  flute  and  clarionette  of 
different  sizes  and  keys,  also  a  large  basso  reed  instru- 
ment of  wonderful  tone  and  compass,  together  with  both 
bass  and  tenor  drums  and  cymbals. 

At  the  close  of  a  tune  of  slow,  solemn  movement,  the 
whole  assemblage  united  in  "Praise  God  from  whom  all 
blessings  flow,"  set  to  "  Old  Hundred,"  both  the  captain 
and  Herman  saying  that  they  had  never  before  heard 
that  grand  old  tune  rendered  with  finer  or  more  solemn 
effect,  as  while  the  instruments  were  in  perfect  accord, 
the  voices  were  none  the  less  so ;  the  sopranos  soft  and 
sweet,  the  male  voices  powerful. 

The  doxology  concluded,  each  head  was  reverently 
bowed,  a  dignified  silence  prevailing  (in  striking  contrast, 
Herman  avowed,  to  many  similar  assemblages  at  home), 
when  a  venerable  man,  in  the  garb  of  an  olden  time 
clergyman,  offered  a  short  prayer,  invoking  a  blessing 
on  the  people,  a's  also  the  "strangers,"  within  their 
gates. 

Now  came  a  signal  for  silence,  when  the  governor  in 
a  commanding  voice  uttered,  "Glory  to  God  in  the  high- 
est," responded  to  by  the  whole  assemblage  shouting 


IN   THE    PRESENCE   OF   THE   GOVERNOR.  321 

"  Glory  to  God,"  echoed  by  a  deafening  roar  from  the  guns 
of  the  fortress,  and  as  this  died  away,  the  governor  bade 
the  strangers  stand  before  him  and  thus  spoke,  saying: 

"  In  ye  name  of  ye  Lord  God  of  hosts.  Him  whom  we 
do  worship,  we  command  ye  to  tell  us  who  ye  are,  and 
from  whence  ye  come  !  " 

"  Honored  sir,  and  members  of  the  council,"  replied 
the  captain,  "  you  ask  whence  we  come,  and  what  we  do 
here.  To  the  first,  I  reply,  by  saying,  these  my  com- 
rades and  myself  are,  when  at  home,  citizens  of  the 
United  States  of  North  America." 

"  Hold  sir,  hold,"  interposed  the  governor,  "  ye  speak 
an  untruth  at  ye  beginning,  for  we  know  no  such  place 
or  country.  "Tis  true  our  ancient  legends,  yea,  cur 
historical  records,  touch  on  a  .  far  away  land  styled 
America,  also  of  thirteen  colonies  contained  therein 
under  ye  rule  of  King  George.  Further  than  this  it 
behooves  ye  not  to  treat,  furthermore,  it  is  our  convic- 
tion ye  seek  to  undermine  our  preconceived  theories. 
However,  do  ye  proceed,  meanwhile  understanding  that 
we  are  in  no  mood  to  be  trifled  with,  nor  have  we  time 
to  listen  to  fictitious  tales,  ye  must  abide  ye  truth." 

*'  Your  most  gracious  majesty,"  quoth  the  captain,  "it 
is  the  plain,  unvarnished  truth  I  am  telling  ye,  so  help 
me  God. 

"  Take  not  ye  name  of  ye  Lord  God  in  vain,  yet  pro- 
ceed with  thy  tale." 

"  Well,  your  honor,  as  I  was  about  to  remark,  my 
own  home  is  not  alone  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
but  also  in  a  dependency  there  to,  called  Connecticut." 

"No  such  dependency  as  ye  choose  to  style  it  is 
known,  but  go  on." 

"  This  young  man,  my  friend  Baxter,  was  reared  in 
the  state  of  Virginia." 

"  We  know  of  no  such  state,"  again  interposed  the 
governor. 

Without  heeding  the  interruption,  the  captain  con- 
tinued :     "  This  other  friend,  Caesar,  was  originally  from 
the  state  of  Alabama." 
20 


322  IN    THE    PRESENCE   OF   THE   GOVERNOR. 

"  Sir,"  replied  the  perplexed  governor,  evidently 
laboring  under  suspicion  that  the  uncouthly  appareled 
stranger  was  seeking  to  play  on  his  credulitj'^,  "our 
legends,  yea  our  most  ancient  historical  records,  com- 
piled with  unwonted  care  and  unquestioned  accuracy, 
coming  in  direct  antagonism  with  thy  absurd  tales 
and  statements,  I  say,  sir,  how  do  ye  reconcile  these 
contradictions  ?  Yet  we  will  hear  more  of  these  ficti- 
tious stories,  hereafter,  yea  verily,  of  these  dependen- 
cies on  which  ye  do  bear  so  much  stress." 

Again  resuming,  the  captain  said  : 

"  My  name,  in  truth  the  one  I've  borne  from  my 
youth  up  to  the  present,  is  Jonathan  Perkins,  late  com- 
mander of  the  Confederate  war  ship  ye  Black  Eagle. 
This,  my  esteemed  friend  and  comrade,  bears  the  name, 
Herman  Baxter,  ship's  clerk  of  the  aforementioned 
vessel.  The  colored  lad,  now  standing  within  the 
shadow  of  your  august  presence,  whose  rightful  name  is 
Caesar — no  connection,  however,  of  the  renowned  Caesar 
of  ancient  Rome,  concerning  whose  history  my  learned 
friend  Baxter  can  give  you  all  the  points  in  the  calendar — 
was  originally  my  servant,  now  my  worthy  comrade. 
For  interfering  with  the  hellish  designs" — here  each 
hand  was  raised  in  holy  horror  at  the  impious  expres- 
sion— "  of  the  commander  of  the  Black  Fagle,  Sir 
Eldred  Romayne,  my  shipmates  and  I  were  placed  in 
irons.  Argument,  entreaty,  expostulation,  all  were  lost 
on  us.  We  returned  not  to  our  duty,  from  which  cause 
we  were  set  on  the  shore  of  an  uninhabited  island,  two 
hundred  miles  away  from  your  possessions,  rather  I  should 
have  said,  your  dominions.  We  have  resided  on  that 
island  for  the  space  of  four  years  in  the  enjoyment  of 
health,  prosperity  and  happiness.  Yet  our  life  becoming 
somewhat  monotonous,  no  neighbors  nigh,  we  tliought 
to  set  out  on  a  voyage  of  adventure,  possibly  dis- 
covery. In  the  meantime  a  grevious  storm  arising,  we 
were  deterred  from  putting  back,  on  the  contrary  were 
driven  to  these  shores,  at  the  imminent  risk  of  our  lives, 
and  here  we  are,  sir,  at  your  service," 


IN   THE   PRESENCE   OF   THE   GOVERNOR.  323 

The  governor,  who  had  remained  a  passive  though 
evidently  interested  listener  to  the  captain's  storj,  now 
spoke : 

"  Ye  tell  us  a  most  remarkable  tale.  Does  this,  thy 
friend,  as  ye  call  him,  corroborate  thy  most  wonderful 
statement?" 

Herman,  who,  up  to  this  time,  had  remained  quietly 
standing  at  the  captain's  side,  now  took  up  the  subject, 
addressing  the  governor  and  council,  no  sentence  being 
lost  on  the  expectant  auditors, 

"I  do,  sir,  most  willingly  lend  my  voice  in  mainte- 
nance of  all  my  good  friend  has  said  to  you,  a  man  who 
has  sailed  the  seas,  experiencing  in  full  the  vicissitudes 
of  both  storm  and  shipwreck.  He  has  a  goodly  daugh- 
ter Bessie " 

"  Hold !  Hold !  Enough  of  this  do  we  hear.  For 
while  ye  weighty  matters  are  being  discussed,  why  do  ye 
most  thoughtlessly  introduce  the  name  of  ye  daughter 
of  Eve  into  our  councils  ?  Confine  thy  speech  to  ye 
matter  in  hand,  and  know  ye  that  for  each  trifling 
word  ye  do  utter  in  our  presence,  ye  shall  be  adjudged. 
Yet  night  draweth  nigh.  Ye  have  spoken  of  strange 
countries,  states,  nations,  ships  of  war  and  many  other 
unhallowed  devices,  none  of  which  are  mentioned  in  ye 
word  of  God,  nor  of  which  our  ancient  worldly  records 
treat.  Ye  may  be,  nevertheless,  hospitably  entertained, 
as  were  ye  strangers  when  visiting  our  father  Abraham, 
yet  I  much  misdoubt  ye  be  angels  taking  us  unawares. 
As  ye  have  come  of  thy  own  free  will,  so  by  the 
blessing  of  God  and  our  command,  ye  will  remain,  for 
this  shall  be  thy  abiding  place  while  life  shall  last.  In 
death  thy  bodies  shall  decay,  thy  bones  crumble,  and  all 
mingle  with  the  earth  of  these  our  dominions." 

Then  signalling  the  officer  in  command  of  the  file  of 
soldiers  who  had  previously  escorted  the  strangers 
to  the  tabernacle,  he  ordered  them  shown  to  the 
house  of  Gamaliel  the  scribe,  enjoining  it  upon  that 
worthy  that  they  should  be  provided  with  food  and 
a  place  of  rest  for  the  night,  also  to  call  upon  Jehiel,  the 


824  IN   THE   TRESENCE   OF   THE   GOVERNOR. 

maker  of  garments,  that  he  might  furnish  them  with 
clothing  more  suitable  in  style  and  appearance  than  the 
strange  outlandish  apparel  thej  now  wore. 

"  Strangers,"  continued  the  governor,  "follow  our  well 
beloved  Ahiel.  I  would  on  the  morrow  have  farther 
speech  with  ye." 

The  great  congregation  of  citizens  who  had  up  to  this 
time  remained  mute  spectators  of  the  doings  of  the 
governor  in  his  interview  with  the  strangers,  a  scene 
the  like  of  which  had  never  before  been  witnessed 
by  the  people,  were  now  dismissed,  after  receiving 
a  blessing  from  the  antiquated  minister,  who  in  a 
few  brief  sentences,  admonished  them  to  repair  to 
their  homes,  with  this  advice:  "Allow  nothing  to 
weigh  upon  your  minds  regarding  these  strangers, 
(doubtless  from  another  world),  so  suddenly  and  with- 
out warning  cast  in  our  midst." 

Thus  reassured  the  people,  en  masse,  returned  to 
tlieir  several  places  of  abodes,  holding  animated,  though 
solemn  converse  on  the  way,  their  minds  naturally  di- 
vided as  to  the  peculiar  attributes  of  Ctesar,  who  in 
this  sliort  space  of  time  had  become  a  personage  of  un- 
due notoriety  and  anxious  concern;  from  which  fact 
few  of  the  people  retired  for  the  night  ere  the  doors 
were  securely  fastened,  though  it  was  generally  admitted 
that  the  keyhole  was  the  usual  mode  of  ingress  resorted 
to  by  the  devil  and  his  adherents.    • 

"Yea  verily,"  urged  a  motherly  dame,  "ye  devil  doth 
ofttimes  ride  ye  broomstick,  flying  through  ye  air,  like 
nnto  ye  bird  of  prey.  Anyhow,  so  do  our  worthy  ances- 
tors give  us  to  know.  Yea,  verily,  why  should  we  mis- 
doubt, in  fact  we  have  heard  that  he  hath  appeared  in 
divers  places  and  at  sundry  times  in  ye  garb  of  ye 
saint,  sowing  ye  seeds  of  ye  damnable  doctrines,  heresy 
and  ye  like.  Yea,  beware  of  ye  devil,  was  often  re- 
peated with  much  zeal  and  unwonted  emphasis  by  ye 
goodly  ones  of  old,  for  is  it  not  said.  '  He  goeth  about 
like  ye  roaring  lion,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour '  ?  " 


THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL.  325 


CHAPTER  XLVII. 

THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL. 

BIDDING  adieu  to  the  governor  and  members  of  tlie 
council,  the  strangers  were  commanded  to  follow 
Ahiel,  who  escorted  them  to  the  abode  of  Gamaliel,  the 
scribe,  Caesar  as  usual  bringing  up  the  rear. 

The  residence  of  the  scribe  lay  at  some  distance  from 
the  business  portion  of  the  town,  and  like  most  of  the 
neighboring  houses,  was  set  in  the  midst  of  ample 
grounds,  where  flourished  the  various  species  of  tree, 
shrub  and  plant  known  to  tropical  regions,  while  now 
and  then  were  to  be  seen  the  tufted,  uplifted  head  of  the 
cocoanut  palm. 

Gamaliel  was  at  this  time  a  man  of  not  more  than 
fifty  years  of  age ;  a  most  notable  figure,  beloved  by  the 
whole  community,  especially  the  weaker  portion,  for  he 
was  a  widower,  his  family  consisting  of  a  son  of  eighteen, 
a  daughter  of  sixteen  and  a  lad  of  ten,  who  had  accom- 
panied their  father  to  the  public  square,  there  witness- 
ing the  arrival  and  reception  of  the  strangers  from 
another  world,  and  having  returned  home,  now  greeted 
their  guests  in  a  kindly  manner. 

The  son,  Joshua,  a  young  man  of  good  parts,  recogniz- 
ing in  Herman  one  nearly  of  his  own  age,  was  naturally 
well  pleased  at  the  acquisition  of  so  learned  and  genial  a 
companion,  destined  on  further  acquaintance  to  become 
a  staunch  friend ;  while  his  sister  Sarah  beheld  in  the 
handsome  gentlemanly-appearing  stranger,  one  upon 
whom  she  was  fain  to  bestow  much  favor.  Thus  the  lot 
of  the  castaways  seemed  in  a  fair  way  to  be  cast  in 
goodly  places. 

The  call  to  supper  now  came,  and  when  all  were 
seated  at  the  hospitable  board,  a  blessing  was  invoked  by 


326  THE  ABODE  OF   GAMALIEL. 

the  host  on  the  food,  together  with  a  proper  recognition 
of  "ye  strangers  within  ye  gates." 

It  must  be  remembered  that  this  was  the  only  period 
in  the  lives  of  the  scribe's  family,  or  in  the  history  of 
this  people,  that  a  civilized  being,  terrestrial  or  celestial, 
had  visited  their  shores ;  for  they  possessed  no  means 
whereby  to  hold  communication  with  any  other  portion 
of  the  earth's  surface,  the  limits  of  their  domain  being  the 
only  world  known  to  them.  Imagine  then  the  surprise, 
when  the  fortress  signal  gun  announced  the  startling  intel- 
ligence that  some  unusual  event  was  at  hand!  Yet  how 
much  more  so,  when  realizing  the  full  significance  of  its 
character,  the  advent  of  human  beings  from  some  other 
world  I 

From  the  effect  of  the  long  day's  fast,  they  having 
partaken  of  no  food  since  leaving  their  craft  in  the  early 
morning,  combined  with  the  fatigue  consequent  upon  the 
reception  and  unnatural  excitement  at  the  public  square, 
the  severe  labor  and  exposure  to  hardship  of  wind  and 
storm  encountered  on  the  hazardous  journey,  they  were 
not  only  quite  worn  out,  but  hungry  as  well,  nothing  out 
of  the  usual  run  in  their  case,  as  Caesar  was  only  too  ready 
to  make  solemn  sworn  affidavit. 

In  the  meantime  the  black  being  consigned  to  the  cook- 
ing department,  in  charge  of  a  good-looking  "  handmaid," 
having  in  good  measure  recovered  from  his  fright,  was 
now  quite  happy  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  good  supper. 

The  kind  hearted  Gamaliel,  thoughtful  of  his  guests, 
comfort  and  noticing  their  weariness  remarked.  '*  We  will 
not  resume  speech  until  such  time  as  ye  may  have 
received  ye  proper  rest,  but  on  ye  morrow  we  will 
question  ye  further." 

The  strangers  were  now  shown  to  their  rooms,  soon 
after  retiring.  They  slept  well,  awaking  only  upon 
summons  to  "morning  prayers,"  breakfast  having  in 
the  meantime  been  prepared  by  the  excellent  house- 
keeper Sarah,  assisted  by  the  maid  Rebecca,  to  whom 
Cassar  had  taken  a  lasting  fancy. 

The    morning   service  at  length  ended — unduly  pro- 


THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL.  327 

longed,  as  the  strangers  were  ready  to  affirm — and  break- 
fast eaten,  the  scribe  returned  tlianks  to  the  "Giver  of  all 
good  and  perfect  gifts,"  not  the  least  of  which  was  a 
good  meal,  as  the  captain  remarked  aside  to  his  com- 
panion. Soon  thereafter  at  the  solicitation  of  the  pious 
Gamaliel,  Captain  Perkins  gave  a  complete  narrative  of 
his  past  life  and  most  notable  adventures,  culminating 
in  the  construction,  equipment  and  voyage  of  the  Black 
Eagle,  and  in  their  being  set  ashore  by  the  commander. 
Sir  Eldred  Romayne,  on  what  was  now  Perkin's  island, 
where  he  had  been  living  during  the  past  four  years, 
then  setting  out  on  a  voyage  of  adventure,  culminating 
in  the  present  situation. 

Meantime  Joshua  was  being  similarly  entertained  by 
his  newly  found  friend  Herman.  Thus  it  will  be  readily 
seen  that  the  castaways  were  at  once  placed  on  a  good  and 
friendly  footing,  Caesar  alone  excepted,  yet  whose  fair 
fame  the  captain  sought  to  establish  in  the  mind  of 
Gamaliel  by  exhibiting  in  a  proper  light  the  character  and 
attributes  of  a  race  of  such  signal  importance  to  a  por- 
tion of  the  globe  many  thousand  miles  distant. 

"Why,"  urged  the  enthusiastic  captain,  "this  young 
colored  fellow  is  one  of  four  millions  of  like  race  and 
habits  in  a  state  of  bondage  among  a  people  known  to 
your  remote  ancestors  as  the  thirteen  colonies,  now  the 
United  States  of  North  America,  having  three  millions 
at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Revolution  in  1776,  at 
which  period  the  colonies  declared  themselves  free  of, 
and  independent  of  British  rule  and  authority." 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  this  statement  of  the  captain's  was 
all  "  Greek  "  to  Gamaliel,  who  had  neither  heard  of  the 
United  States  of  America  or  the  Revolution,  for  all  that 
was  then  known  concerning  the  original  thirteen 
colonies  was  the  meagre  statement  handed  down  in 
what  might  be  termed  legendarj'-  form,  therefore  it  will 
be  at  once  understood  that  both  he  and  his  son  Joshua 
were  unwontedly  interested  and  no  less  surprised  when 
listening  to  these  marvelous  tales  of  lands  they  had 
never  dreamed  of  having   an    existence.     So  Gamaliel 


328  THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL. 

began  questioning  his  guests  as  to  v.'liat  first  led  them  to 
the  setting  out  on  a  voyage  when  so  many  dangers 
threatened,  especially  on  so  insignificant  a  craft. 

The  captain,  who  had  been  for  some  time  industriously 
fumbling  in  the  pockets  of  his  uncouth  shaggy  coat, 
now  drew  forth  the  carved  block  of  wood,  exclaiming, 
"  This  sir  was  the  inducement." 

At  this  announcement,  Joshua,  who  seemed  uncon- 
sciously gazing  at  the  object,  broke  forth,  "  Why,  that  is 
a  piece  of  wood  I  carved  more  than  three  months  ago." 

After  they  had  recovered  from  their  surprise  at  this 
strange  discovery,  Joshua  made  the  following  suggestion 
to  Herman,  "Now,  suppose  we  take  a  look  about  town, 
after  which  I  will  give  you  a  full  account  of  the  original 
settlement  and  subsequent  history  of  our  people. 
Gamaliel,  my  father,  as  you  will  understand,  holds  the 
office  of  public  scribe;  I,  under  him,  that  of  keeper  of 
the  seal,  that  is  to  say,  while  he  keeps  the  records,  I  have 
charge  of  the  documents.  The  office  of  scribe  is  hered- 
itary, descending  from  father  to  son  through  successive 
generations,  our  people  all  possessing  the  same  character- 
istics as  to  method  of  living,  style  of  dress,  general 
costume  and  habits,  as  did  our  ancestors  to  the  farthest 
removed  generations.  Nothing  ever  changes,  even  the 
manner  of  speech." 

**  Yes,"  observed  Herman,  "  I  have  noticed  this  pecu- 
liarity, which  with  us  would  be  styled  quaint;  our 
historians  of  olden  times,  as  a  rule,  having  observed  a 
like  form." 

Thus  engaged  in  pleasing  converse,  Joshua,  accompan- 
ied by  Herman,  was  slowly  passing  down  the  street,  when 
they  were  met  and  accosted  b}'^  a  w^ell  known  citizen, 
introduced  as  the  "worthy  maker  of  garments,"  bearing 
on  his  arm  a  bundle  which  he  presented  to  the  young 
stranger,  "in  ye  name  and  with  ye  compliments  of  ye 
governor." 

Now  this  bundle  contained  suits  for  each  of  the 
strangers,  which  they  were  authorized  to  both  accept  and 
wear  in  lieu  of  those  characterized  by  the  governor  as 


THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL.  329 

"outlandish  aud  scarcely  suitable  to  the  good  appearance 
of  a  heathen  savage." 

In  the  matter  of  clothing,  our  friends  were  fain  to 
acknowledge  that  they  were  in  what  might  be  called  "  a 
bad  way,"  consequently  they  were  nothing  loth  to  be 
able  to  don  those  more  suitable  to  their  present  condi- 
tion and  surroundings.  "Servitude,  perhaps,"  solilo- 
quised Herman.  However,  he  good  naturedly  thanked 
the  "  worthy  maker  of  garments,  "  desiring  him  to  extend 
the  same  to  the  generous  minded  governor,  both  for 
himself  and  companions. 

Receiving  the  bundle  of  clothing  from  the  hands  of 
"  the  maker  of  garments,"  afterward  remarking  to  the 
captain  why  the  man  shouldn't  be  called  by  his  proper 
title,  tailor,  and  have  done  with  the  gibberish,  Herman 
turned  back,  repairing  to  his  room,  followed  by  the  cap- 
tain. A  few  moments  later  the  change  of  apparel  was 
effected,  setting  both  uproariously  laughing,  for  while 
the  garments  were  of  exquisite  quality,  in  quantity  they 
were  not  lacking,  to  say  nothing  of  the  style,  which,  it  is 
needless  to  remark,  was  the  same  as  that  worn  by  all  the 
citizens  of  whatsoever  title  or  degree,  caste  being  of  little 
account  where  all  were  considered  equal. 

The  general  characteristics  of  this  quaint  people,  as 
previously  mentioned,  being  essentially  the  same  as  that 
of  two  centuries  before,  scarcely  any  change  was  appar- 
ent from  the  period  of  the  Queen  Anne  covenanters.  In 
fact,  change  in  any  respect  would  have  been  little  toler- 
ated. More  noticeable  perhaps  in  dress,  which  though 
picturesque,  was  to  the  strangers,  to  say  the  least,  un- 
commonly singular.  Nevertheless  it  was  as  they  could 
but  admit,  fairly  comfortable,  and  in  the  case  of  Her- 
man, a  happy  innovation  from  any  previous  style,  as 
his  naturally  fine  form  now  showed  to  the  best  advant- 
age, a  fact  that  might  possibly  tend  later  to  serious 
complications,  for  was  there  not  a  really  handsome  and 
no  less  talented  young  lady  in  the  family  ?  Per  co7ilra,  a 
young  man  of  pleasing  address,  an  attractive  figure,  com- 
binations often  tending  to  the  working  of  sad  havoc  in 


830  THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL. 

female     affections,     and    the    winsome     Sarah     would 
undoubtedly  be  found  no  exception  to  the  common  rule. 

At  length  taking  leave  of  Gamaliel  and  the  captain, 
the  two  friends  again  set  out,  proceeding  down  the  street 
to  the  broad  avenue  lined  with  buildings  devoted  to  bus- 
iness, each  step  as  they  advanced  serving  to  increase  the 
admiration  of  Herman.  His  astonishment  could  scarcely 
be  brought  under  control,  when  beholding  long  rows  of 
symmetrically  arranged  dwellings,  each  the  counter- 
part of  its  neighbor,  an  air  of  thrift  and  comfort  pervad- 
ing all.  The  streets  were  broad,  level  and  cleanly,  the 
latter  arising  mainly  from  the  fact  that  neither  horse,  ox, 
cow,  or  other  domestic  animal  was  allowed  to  roam  at 
will,  and  for  the  very  best  of  reasons,  they  had  none  of 
these.  Sheep  were  the  only  animals  in  their  possession. 
These,  however,  were  to  be  seen  in  large  flocks,  gathered 
about  the  outlying  fields  adjacent  to  the  suburbs  of  the 
town. 

Thus  making  their  way  down  the  main  business 
street,  noting  the  various  objects  of  interest,  the  atten- 
tion of  Herman  was  at  length  attracted  by  a  low  rum- 
bling sound,  when  soon  thereafter,  came  rattling  along  a 
railway  car,  running  on  wooden  rails,  propelled  by  the 
wind  acting  on  skillfully  planned  sails,  while  further  on 
stood  a  large  one  story  structure,  erected  for  general  stor- 
age purposes,  also  a  building  for  manufactories  of  vari- 
ous kinds,  the  power  being  furnished  by  immense  wind 
mills  of  novel  and  ingenious  construction.  In  fact,  the 
whole  motive  power  of  this  people  was  that  of  wind, 
which  taken  in  connection  with  machiner}^  well  adapted 
for  the  purpose  required,  proved  unusually  effective. 

Another  large  building  similar  to  those  heretofore  men- 
tioned, Joshua  said  was  for  general  trade,  and  in  it 
were  gathered  all  the  supplies  needed  by  the  citizens. 

In  explanation  of  these  wonders,  Joshua  continued, 
"Though  in  a  world  of  our  own,  knowing  of  no  other, 
save  what  little  may  be  gathered  from  traditionary' 
lore,  we  possess  as  you  will  learn  upon  close  examin- 
ation, all  the  necessaries  as  well  as  the  comforts  of  life, 


THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL.  331 

to  say  nothing  of  its  luxuries.  Why  then  should  we 
ask  or  desire  more  ?  In  regard  to  our  business  methods, 
whatsoever  we  require  is  grown  in  our  own  soil,  all 
things  being  in  common,  each  performing  his  allotted 
share  of  labor,  the  accruing  benefits  equally  divided.  Our 
domain  is  by  actual  measurement  two  hundred  miles  long 
by  twenty  miles  in  breadth.  Thus  you  will  preceive  we 
have  four  thousand  square  miles  of  territory,  sufficient  to 
sustain  a  large  population,  while  in  the  main  the  soil  is 
rich  and  productive.  On  the  northern  side  of  the  island, 
running  nearly  its  entire  length,  is  a  chain  of  hills,  ris- 
ing at  two  separate  points  to  a  considerable  height,  esti- 
mated at  not  less  than  five  hundred  feet.  From  these 
hills  is  quarried  rock,  used  in  the  construction  of  the  fort- 
ress, as  also  several  of  the  larger  buildings,  notably  those 
requiring  strength  and  solidity.  An  excellent  clay  also 
abounds,  from  which  is  manufactured  brick  and  various 
kinds  of  pottery  utilized  in  our  households,  while  forests 
of  great  extent  and  of  the  most  valuable  timber  flourish 
on  the  hill  side.  Again,  minerals  in  almost  every  con- 
ceivable variety  and  quantity  are  found  on  the  higher 
elevations,  some  ten  miles  distant.  To  the  west  is  a  small 
lake  from  which  we  derive  a  supply  of  water,  conveyed 
throughout  the  town  in  underground  pipes.  Other  than 
from  this  source,  we  have  no  fresh  water. 

*'  Wh}'  do  you  not  dig  wells?  "  interposed  Herman. 

"  We  can  dig  them,"  was  the  answer,  "  but  get  no 
water,  as  the  rock  lies  too  near  the  surface." 

Artesian  wells,  were  suggested  by  Herman,  Joshua 
replying  ;  "Possibly  that  might  be  done,  yet  it  has  never 
been  attempted  and  probably  will  not  be,  as  our  present 
supply  is  quite  adequate  to  our  needs.  Still,  as  our 
population  becomes  more  dense,  the  subject  might  well 
be  taken  into  consideration,  A  considerable  portion  of 
the  cultivated  area  is  irrigated  by  the  waters  of  the  lake. 
Again,  the  main  body  of  the  island  is  overgrown  by  the 
tropical  fruits,  which  from  being  transplanted  and  culti- 
vated, have  greatly  improevd  in  both  quantity  and 
quality.     You  notice  the  tall  structure  to  the  right ; 


332  THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL. 

that  is  the  mill  for  grinding  grain,  which  are  corn,  peas, 
beans  and  oats,  each  of  which  is  made  into  flour." 

"Flour  from  beans?  "  ejaculated  Herman  in  surprise. 

"  Yes,  they  are  first  dried,  as  also  are  our  peas,  in 
kilns  of  unburnt  brick,  and  when  prepared  in  this  man- 
ner, are  ground  in  combination  with  corn  and  oats,  from 
which  our  bread  is  made." 

"  Yes,  and  of  good  quality,  if  that  was  a  sample  we 
ate  for  breakfast,"  interposed  the  still  more  astonished 
stranger, 

"  The  bread  you  mention  was  prepared  from  the  four 
kinds  of  flour,  and  when  properly  baked,  continues  fresh 
and  sweet  for  several  days." 

"  A  hint  to  our  professional  bakers  at  home,"  sug- 
gested Herman. 

"  Again,  our  lands  are  divided  into  tracts,  or  farms 
of  one  hundred  acres  each.  So  when  one  of  our  young 
men  reaches  the  age  of  twenty-one,  a  tract  is  set  off  to 
him,  his  children  succeeding  to  the  inheritance." 

"  Do  you  have  no  title  deeds?  "  inquired  Herman. 

"  I  scarcely  understand  the  meaning  of  a  title  deed," 
continued  Joshua.  "  The  young  man  has  simply  a 
writing  from  the  then  reigning  governor,  stipulating  that 
in  the  event  of  having  no  heirs,  or  should  be  be  negli- 
gent in  tilling  the  laud,  it  reverts  to  the  people, 
they  being  the  real  owners,  the  governor  exercising  no 
power  otlier  than  that  delegated. by  his  subjects.  What 
they  require  is  that  each  member  of  the  community 
shall  do  his  whole  duty  ;  nothing  less  will  answer,  and 
as  our  children  are  taught  to  recognize  this  fact,  little 
trouble  has  as  yet  been  experienced  in  this  respect,  or 
for  that  matter,  in  any  other. 

"  Our  population  numbers  in  the  aggregate  one  thou- 
sand souls  ;  our  families  are  arranged  in  groups  of  fift\^, 
under  charge  of  ten  councillors,  one  to  each  group,  who 
meet  regularly  each  month  in  deliberation  presided  over 
by  the  governor,  who,  in  case  there  should  happen  to 
be  a  tie  in  the  council,  on  any  question  affecting  the 
general  welfare  of  the  people,  gives  the  casting  vote  to 


THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL.  888 

whichever  side  he  may  incline.  The  principal  functions 
of  the  council  is  to  settle  disputes  should  any  arise, 
which  I  am  happy  to  say  is  seldom  the  case. 

"As  to  laws,  we  have  none,  other  than  those  handed 
down  from  our  forefathers,  all  of  which  are  found  in  the 
Bible,  called  the  '  Ten  Commandments,'  which  are  uni- 
versally obeyed. 

"  You  ask  if  we  have  no-  outlying  settlements,  I 
answer  by  saying,  our  people  all  have  their  homes  within 
the  corporate  limits  of  the  town,  each  family  the  sole 
owner  of  its  habitation,  including  the  grounds,  to  which 
they  are  expected  to  give  the  attention  requisite  to  its 
good  appearance.  Oar  farms  stretch  away  several  miles 
into  the  interior,  to  which  access  is  given  by  the  railway 
running  to  the  extreme  limits  of  the  cultivated  lands, 
which  are  extended  as  circumstances  may  require.  The 
products  of  the  several  farms  are  transported  to  the 
general  storehouse,  drawn  therefrom  as  the  daily 
necessities  of  each  family  demands,  the  quantity  regu- 
lated by  their  number. 

"  From  the  main  line  of  the  railway,  branches  diverge, 
leading  to  the  vicinity  of  the  farms,  thus  you  will  readily 
see  it  is  an  easy  matter  to  gather  the  products  of  the 
soil  into  our  capacious  storehouse. 

"  The  hours  of  daily  labor  are  limited  to  six,  to  which 
every  able-bodied  man,  and  we  have  few  others,  is  ex- 
pected to  contribute  his  share,  whether  in  the  field  or 
workshop ;  while  the  female  portion  of  the  community 
are  exempt  from  any  sort  of  manual  labor,  it  being  con- 
sidered quite  sufficient  if  they  attend  faithfully  to  indoor 
affairs. 

"  Whenever  any  of  our  young  men  decide  to  take  a 
wife,  usually  soon  after  reaching  the  age  of  twenty-one, 
a  house  is  erected,  furnished  and  made  a  free  gift,  as  also 
the  ground  adjoining,  material  and  labor  being  furnished 
by  general  contribution.  In  short,  each  member  of  the 
community  performs  an  equal  amount  of  labor,  sharing 
in  its  benefits." 

In  reply  to  a  very  natural  question.  Joshua  replied, 


334  THE    ABODE   OF    GAMALIEL. 

"  We  have  no  money,  nor  debts,  in  jour  acceptation  of 
the  terms,  though  I  scarcely  understand  the  meaning  of 
either." 

"  No  debts,  no  credit?  "  suggested  Herman. 

"  No,  they  are  to  us  unknown  terms.  You  will  observe 
in  the  rear  of  each  dwelling  a  vegetable  garden,  as  one 
devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  plants  and  fruits.  We 
have  also  large  flocks  of  sheep,  their  wool  utilized  in 
the  manufacture  of  clothing,  also  hemp  from  which  is 
produced  goods  more  suited  to  be  worn  during  the 
warmer  portions  of  the  season. 

"Our  shoes  are  made  horn  tanned  hides  of  sheep, 
also  from  the  skins  of  wild  beasts  which  roam  in  large 
numbers  in  the  mountainous  districts,  while  the  sea 
furnishes  us  fish  in  unlimited  supply.  Our  diet  consists 
mainly  of  vegetable  products,  together  with  grain  and 
fruits,  but  you  will  learn  more  of  this  hereafter," 

Again  questioned  Herman,  "You  tell  me  the  gover- 
norship is  hereditary,  how  comes  it  then  he  is  subject  to 
the  will  of  the  people,  for  with  us  the  form  would  be  a 
monarchical  government  ?  " 

"Well,  you  see,"  answered  Joshua,  "it's  like  this. 
Suppose  for  instance,  the  reigning  governor  should  per- 
form some  act  in  opposition  to  the  will  of  his  subjects — 
do  not  understand  by  this  a  condition  of  servitude,  for 
here,  all  are  free  and  equal,  not  in  name  only  but  in  fact, 
— or  which  was  considered  against  their  best  interests, 
or  manifest  a  disposition  to  resist  interference  with  his 
power  when  exercised  in  an  unworthy  or  undue  manner 
or  cause,  he  can  be  deposed  by  a  popular  vote. 

"This  is  an  unwritten  law,  though  one  well  under- 
stood, and  while  such  a  state  of  affairs  has  never  hereto- 
fore existed,  of  course  there  is  a  possibility  it  may  occur 
at  some  future  time,  especially  when  taking  into  con- 
sideration our  rapid  increase  in  numbers.  The  council 
is  elected  by  the  people,  each  holding  office  four  years, 
not  eligable  however  to  re-election." 

"  But  do  you  have  no  jail,  prison,  poorhouse  or  hospi- 
tal ?  "  questioned  Herman. 


THE    ABODE    OF   GAMALIEL.  835 

"I  liave  never  beard  those  terms  mentioned,"  replied 
Joshua. 

"No  police,  no  saloons?  The  latter  to  make  people 
drunk,  lazy  and  vicious,  the  first  mentioned  to  arrest  and 
bring  before  the  council  for  punishment,  those  who  are 
drunk." 

"  No,  sir ;  these  are  all  new  terras  to  me. 

"  But  what,"  quoth  Herman,  "  in  the  nam.e  of  goodness, 
do  you  do  with  j^our  criminals?  Are  your  laws,  the  laws 
as  you  say  of  the  Bible,  never  broken  ?  " 

"  In  the  first  place,"  answered  Joshua,  "  we  have,  as  I 
before  mentioned,  few  laws  to  break ;  yet  should  anyone 
be  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor  or  perform  an  unjust  or  un- 
worthy act,  he  is  summoned  before  the  governor  and 
council,  who  reason  with  him ;  and  if  this  is  not  sufficient 
to  bring  the  refractory  one  to  terms,  he  is  publicly  repri- 
manded, which  is  all  the  punishment  it  has  ever  been 
necessary  to  inflict." 

"A  model  community,  an  Eldorado,  in  fact,"  resumed 
Herman.  "  But  have  you  no  spirituous  liquors,  whiskey, 
rum,  gin  and  the  like — sources  I  may  say  of  nine  tenths 
of  all  the  crime,  misery  and  degradation  of  the  world?  " 

"  No,  I've  never  heard  of  these." 

"From  which  I  infer  you  are  not  troubled  with 
thieves,  housebreakers,  wife  beaters,  homicides  and  the 
like." 

"Well  sir,"  replied  the  astonished  Joshua,  "this  is  all 
news  to  me,  for  if  you  mean  by  the  term,  homicide,  slay- 
ing a  person  ;  by  wife-beating,  whipping  one's  wife  ;  by 
housebreaking,  entering  a  house  without  leave  ;  by  theft, 
taking  that  which  does  not  belong  to  you,  then  I  can 
only  say,  we  are  entirely  free  from  all  these,  as  every 
one's  habitation  and  property  are  considered  sacred ; 
hence  bolts  and  bars  are  unknown.  In  short,  we  lead  an 
orderly,  circumspect,  peaceable  Christian  life,  no  thought 
entering  the  mind  of  any  as  to  infringing  on  the  rights 
of  their  neighbors,  the  word  of  God  as  revealed  and  rec- 
ognized in  the  Bible,  our  only  safeguard  and  guide. 

''  "We  have  a  house  set  apart,  free  to  all,  for  Bible  teach- 


336  THE   ABODE   OF   GAMALIEL, 

ing,  in  wliich  as  I  before  remarked,  are  comprised  all 
laws,  social  and  religious.  Ilere  our  people  assemble  each 
sabbath  day  to  receive  instruction  from  our  minister.  In 
this  house  are  also  taught  lessons  of  a  temporal  nature, 
consisting  of  those  worldly  affairs  necessary  to  our  every 
day  welfare,  yet  the  Bible  is  the  only  printed  book  we 
possess,  believing  a  comprehensive  knowledge  of  this 
inspired  work  all  ihat  is  demanded,  possibly  desired." 

While  viewing  the  town,  together  with  the  many 
points  of  interest,  Joshua  and  his  friend  at  length  came 
to  the  entrance  of  the  tabernacle,  within  whose  capacious 
walls  was  located  the  office  and  abode  of  the  governor. 

At  the  suggestion  of  Joshua,  tbey  entered,  passing 
the  outer  gate,  from  tlieuce  proceeding  to  the  official 
apartment,  where  they  found  the  governor  seated  at  his 
desk.  Upon  their  entrance  he  arose,  apparently  in  no 
wise  displeased  at  receiving  a  visit  "  from  ye  strangers 
with  whom  he  hoped  to  hold  ye  pleasant  converse,"  for 
the  venerable  patriarch  had  as  yet  scarcely  recovered 
from  the  shock  of  the  previous  day,  "ye  arrival  of  3'e 
strangers  within  ye  gates." 

Herman,  meanwhile,  thought  the  interview  would 
afford  a  suitable  opportunity  to  disabuse  the  mind  of  the 
superstitious  old  man  in  regard  to  the  character  of  the 
inoffensive,  well  disposed  Caesar,  to  whom  the  governor 
seemed  quite  ready,  as  did  the  people,  to  ascribe  both 
supernatural  and  infernal  power. ' 

The  unwonted  excitement  under  which  the  entire 
community  labored,  in  respect  to  the  arrival  of  the 
strangers,  had  not  in  the  least  abated;  on  the  contrary,  it 
was  evidently  on  the  increase.  So  after  studying  the 
matter  over,  flerman  concluded  it  the  wiser  course  to  let 
the  matter  rest  until  some  future  time,  when  satisfactory 
explanations  could  be  safely  made  regarding  the  alleged 
Satanic  attributes  of  Caesar.  So  after  a  few  moments' 
further  conversation,  leave  was  taken,  Joshua  remarking 
it.  was  now  nearly  midday  and  if  there  was  one  thing 
more  than  another  disliked  by  his  sister  Sarah,  it  was 
having  to  wait  for  dinner. 


THE   ABODE  OF   GAMALIEL.  337 

While  on  the  way  to  the  home  of  the  scribe,  Herman 
propounded  a  question,  which  he  averred  had  not  a  little 
puzzled  his  brain,  arising  from  the  fact  that  so  consider- 
able a  body  of  men  under  arms  was  deemed  essential  to 
the  protection  of  a  people  who  from  the  nature  of  their 
surroundings  could  scarcely  be  said  to  have  enemies. 

In  reply  to  the  question,  Joshua  said  : 

"This  is  a  part  of  the  policy  of  the  government, 
handed  down  by  our  forefathers,  partially  as  a  means  of 
gratifying  a  natural  warlike  instinct  of  the  human  race, 
yet  as  our  more  ancient  history  tells  us,  there  was  a 
period,  when  it  became  an  urgent  necessity.  The  emerg- 
ency arising  at  that  time  will  be  fully  explained  when 
I  state  the  history  of  the  colony  from  its  original  settle- 
ment." 

Having  at  length  arrived  at  the  house,  Gamaliel  and 
the  captain  were  found  still  engaged  in  animated  con- 
versation, evidently  on  excellent  terms.  The  time  be  it 
said  was  not  far  distant  when  the  castaways  would  be 
deemed  a  most  valuable  acquisition  to  this  hitherto  un- 
known people. 

Soon  after  reaching  the  scribe's  dwelling,  dinner  was 
announced  and  when  all  were  seated  at  the  table,  Joshua 
related  the  adventures  of  the  morning,  dwelling  on  the 
surprise  of  his  companion  when  beholding  so  many 
strange  scenes,  not  forgetting  the  call  at  the  governor's 
residence. 

"  Yes,"  added  Herman,  "  I  have  this  day  looked  upon 
scenes,  have  beheld  useful  works  combined  with  a  de- 
gree of  skill  I  would  have  deemed  an  imposibility,  had 
they  been  simply  told  me.  Yes,  Captain  Perkins,  I  can 
assure  you,  many  of  these  would  well  be  worthy  a  place 
in  any  community.  Yet  one  other  thought  suggests  it- 
self Joshua,  how  do  your  public  officials,  rather  I  should 
say,  in  what  manner  are  they  paid  for  their  services, 
the  governor,  council,  your  professional  men,  doctors, 
preachers,  schoolmaster  and  so  on  ?  " 

"Ye  Bible,  my  young  friend,"  quoth  Gamaliel,  "  ye 
Bible  sayeth,  *Ye  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire,'  yet  I 
21 


S38  RETROSPECT. 

deem  ye  question  one  of  special  significance.  Wherefore 
my  son,"  —  turning  to  Joshua — "  explain,  that  ye  stran- 
gers may  labor  under  no  misapprehension." 

"Our  commodities,"  answered  Joshua,  upon  this  ap- 
peal, "  are  mainly  derived  from  tillage  of  the  soil,  each 
performing  his  allotted  sliare  of  labor.  Thus  doth  each 
reap  the  benefit  therefrom,  and  officials  acting  in  their 
several  capacities,  are  presumed  to  perform  theirs,  draw- 
ing subsistence  from  the  general  storehouse  in  like 
manner  as  do  those  who  work  in  the  fields  or  manu- 
facturing establishments. 


CHAPTER  XLYIII. 

RETROSPECT. 

ON  a  certain  evening  of  June,  1672,  a  ship  set  sail 
from  a  New  England  seaport,  her  destination  the 
Southern  Hemisphere. 

"This  vessel  of  four  hundred  tons  burden,  newly  built, 
was  commanded  by  Joshua  Hopkins,  the  first  mate  was 
Ezekiel  Somers.  Besides  these  there  were  a  boatswain, 
steward,  cook,  and  a  complement  of  twelve  sailors  be- 
fore the  mast. 

"  Her  passengers,  in  all  forty-two  souls,  included  a 
clergyman  and  his  wife,  and  a  surgeon ;  the  destination, 
some  hitherto  unknown  island  of  the  Soutliern  seas ;  the 
purpose  of  the  voyage,  that  of  colonization.  Why  were 
these  well-to-do  people  thus  leaving  country,  home,  and 
friends  ? 

"  It  happened  in  this  wise.  Some  six  months  antedat- 
ing the  event  as  above  stated,  a  well-known  and  pros- 
perous citizen  of  the  seaport  town,  by  name  Obadiah 
Jennings,  casually  meeting  an  old  friend  and  neighbor, 
Nehemiah  Clark,  the  following  colloquy  ensued: 

"  'Friend  Nehemiah,  how  would  ye  like  to  join  me  on 
ftn  expedition  to  ye  water's  of  ye  newly  discovered  seas 


RETROSPECT.  SS9 

lying  in  ye  region  south  of  ye  equator,  concerning 
which  we  have  heard  so  much  of  late,  and  so  exceed- 
ingly favorable?  Perad venture  ye  may  have  learned 
of  ye  same  spread  abroad  by  ye  worthy  Captain  Na- 
thaniel Jones,  lately  returned  from  ye  long  and  prosper- 
ous voyage  to  those  seas,  have  ye  not,  Nehemiah  ?  Also 
ye  wonderful  accounts  he  made  mention  concerning  ye 
beauty,  fertility  of  ye  soil  and  desirableness  of  ye  cli- 
mate thereof,  among  ye  various  islands  thereabout?  Why, 
friend  Nehemiah,  it  nearly  sets  me  wild  when  listening 
to  ye  tales  of  friend  Nathaniel.  Come,  Nehemiah,  how 
would  ye  like  to  join  with  me  in  organizing  ye  colony?  ' 
Still  continuing,  'I  misdoubt,  ye  like  myself  have  felt 
ye  severity  of  ye  long  winters  pertaining  to  this  latitude, 
and  Nathaniel's  return,  coupled  with  ye  glowing  de- 
scription of  ye  equable  temperature  of  ye  climate,  hath 
truly  let  loose  ye  spirit  of  adventure  within  me.  Ye 
tropical  fruits  and  so  forth,  would,  I  feel,  be  greatly  to 
my  liking  as  would  doubtless  be  ye  case  with  many 
others.     Now  what  say  ye,  Nehemiah  ?  ' 

" '  Well,  neighbor  Obadiah,  thy  speech,  wise  counsel, 
and  courage,  doth  please  me  exceedingly  well  and  upon 
return  to  my  abode,  I  will  hold  speech  with  Mistress 
Clark,  and  should  ye  venture  seem  pleasing  to  her  sight, 
I  will  take  ye  subject  into  further  consideration  and 
bring  ye  report.' 

"This  casual  meeting  of  the  two  neighbors  proved 
the  starting  point  of  an  expedition  fraught  with  con- 
sequences heretofore  unforeseen,  experiences  of  a  most 
thrilling  nature,  leading  to  results  hitherto  never  for  a 
moment  contemplated,  and  an  importance  far  outreach- 
ing  the  most  sanguine  anticipations — the  founding  of  a 
nation,  a  people  who  for  the  long  period  of  two  cen- 
turies, should  have  no  communication  or  exchange  of 
thought  with  any  other. 

"  Eepairing  to  his  home,  Nehemiah  preceeds  at  once  to 
lay  the  weighty  subject  before  Mistress  Clark,  who  natu- 
rally of  a  romantic  turn  and  an  adventurous  disposition, 
fell  into  the  scheme  with  little  hesitation.       So  the  two 


840  RETROSPECT. 

friends  again  held  consultation,  upon  receiving  the  favor- 
able report  from  Mistress  Nehemiah,  and  as  all  three 
were  now  well  agreed  in  the  matter,  it  was  determined 
to  push  the  enterprise  with  vigor. 

*'  Both  Obadiah  and  bis  friend  Nehemiah  were  well-to- 
do  men  for  those  times,  scarcely  fifty  years  having  elapsed 
since  the  noted  Plymouth  colony  had  set  foot  on  those 
shores.  Meantime  that  portion  of  Massachusetts  lying 
near  the  coast  had  become  quite  thickly  settled  by  an 
energetic,  thrifty  people,  who  had  previously  emigrated 
from  different  portions  of  the  Old  World,  notably  Great 
Britain,  France  and  Holland.  While  many  were  per- 
sons of  wealth,  culture  and  distinction,  they  had,  as 
Obadiah  remarked  to  his  neighbor,  'often  felt  ye  se- 
verity of  ye  New  England  winters,  cold  and  backward 
springs,'  thus  entailing  a  considerable  amount  of  suffer- 
ing and  hardship;  to  say  nothing  of  the  continuous 
struggle  for  supremacy  with  the  barbarous  tribes  of  na- 
tives, who  as  a  rule  did  not  take  kindly  to  the  new  ways 
and  encroachments  upon  what  were  considered  their  nat- 
ural rights.  Thus  these  drawbacks  to  settlement  and 
permament  occupancy  had  set  in  many  a  tendency  to 
bettering  their  condition,  and  now  the  return  of  Captain 
Nathaniel  Jones  coupled  with  the  glowing  description  of 
the  lately  discovered  islands  abounding  in  the  southern 
seas,  had  as  said  Obadiah,  *  let  loose  ye  spirit  of  advent- 
ure '  within  the  breast  of  many  a  one  of  the  discontented 
colonists. 

"  The  subject  being  freely  broached  among  the  neigh- 
bors the  promoters  of  the  scheme  found  less  opposition 
than  had  been  expected.  So  they  now  set  about  the 
work  in  earnest,  and  after  a  serious  consultation,  a  final 
decision  was  reached,  a  canvass  arranged  and  plans 
undertaken — mainly  among  the  most  intimate  friends — 
whereby  to  secure  the  requisite  number  of  persons,  also 
the  amount  of  funds  necessary  to  carry  forward  the  en- 
terprise. So  an  agreement  was  entered  into  that  each 
head  of  a  family  joining  the  expedition  should  contrib- 
ute and   pay  into   the  common   fund   the  sum   of  two 


EEV.   JARED  SPARKS'S   NARRATIVE.  341 

thousand  pounds  sterling  to  be  expended  in  building  a 
vessel  of  sufficient  tonnage  to  accommodate  ten  colonists 
together  with  their  families  and  the  crew." 

Captain  Perkins  and  Herman  seated  at  the  breakfast 
table,  the  meal  at  length  finished,  Joshua,  turning  to 
Herman,  invited  him  to  his  private  room.  "  When,"  said 
he,  "  I  will  recite  the  further  history  of  the  colony  as 
recorded  by  the  Rev.  Jared  Sparks  from  the  hour  of  set- 
ting sail,  two  centuries  since,  to  the  present  time,  taken 
up  in  succession  by  the  scribes  of  subsequent  generations. 


CHAPTEE  XLIX. 

REV.  JARED   SPARKS'S  NARRATIVE. 

riiHE  staunch,  thoroughly  equipped  Starlight  sailed 
1  from  the  harbor  of  construction  at  the  hour 
of  sunset,  on  the  fifth  day  of  June,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord,  1672  ;  on  board  forty  and  eight  souls,  to  wit: 
Captain  Josiah  Hopkins,  mate  Ezekiel  Somers,  boat- 
swain, steward,  cook,  twelve  able-bodied  seamen,  together 
with  the  pastor,  Rev.  Jared  Sparks  and  his  wife  Julia, 
surgeon,  Dr.  Ephraim  Skemple,  ten  colonists  and  their 
families,  the  whole  under  charge  of  Obadiah  Jennings, 
who,  as  promoter  of  the  enterprise,  was  unanimously 
chosen  leader. 

"  A  great  multitude  of  people,  comprising  citizens  of 
the  town  and  adjacent  country,  were  assembled  to  wit- 
ness the  departure  of  the  ship.  Many  of  the  spectators 
gathered  on  the  wharf,  friends  and  neighbors  bore  sad 
countenances,  others  scarcely  refraining  from  tears. 

"  All  things  in  readiness,  yards  manned,  sail  set,  at  re- 
port of  the  signal  gun  announcing  the  order  to  cast  off, 
the  great  ship  moved  slowly  away,  amid  hearty  cheer- 
ing, waving  of  handkerchiefs  and  cries  of  'God  speed.' 

"  Taking  stand  on  deck,  Mistress  Julia  at  my  side,  I 


342  R£V.   JAKED  SPARKS'S  NARRATIVE, 

ofiered  devout  prayers,  invoking  divine  aid  and  tlie 
blessing  of  God  on  the  ship's  company,  and  desiring  a 
safe  and  prosperous  voyage,  trusting  alone  in  his  mercy 
for  a  happy  termination,  at  the  same  time  acknowledg- 
ing the  unwonted  responsibilty  resting  upon  me  in  at- 
tending to  the  ministerial  charge  of  the  colony. 

"  The  Starlight  while  of  uncommonly  large  size  and 
capacity,  was  I'ully  loaded,  allowing  scarcely  room  ade- 
quate to  the  scant  accommodation  of  crew  and  i);issengers, 
a  circumstance  I  was  fain  to  regret,  as  comfort  for  tbe 
long  voyage  shoule  have  been  considered  of  the  first 
importance,  particularly  as  regarded  the  women  and 
children. 

"  In  due  space  of  time  the  islands  of  the  West  Indies 
were  reached,  favoring  winds  wafting  us  speedily  on  our 
way.  On  these  islands  we  sojourned  for  the  space  of 
three  days ;  mautime  fresh  water  end  tropical  fruits 
were  taken  on  board,  whereby  we  were  greatly  refreshed, 
notably  the  women  and  children  who  were  experiencing 
no  little  hardship  consequent  upon  the  close  quarters  to 
which  they  were  necessarily  confined. 

"  At  the  close  of  the  third  day  spent  on  shore,  sail  was 
again  made,  speeding  on  our  way  little  understanding  or, 
if  so,  scarcely  taking  heed  of  the  fact  that  in  equatorial 
latitudes,  the  atmosphere  becomes  more  and  more 
heated  as  one  advances  ;  so  opf)ressing  indeed  that  it  is 
extremely  difficult  to  get  one's  breath,  and  as  those  lati- 
tudes are  more  closely  approached,  the  air  each  day  be- 
comes more  stifling  from  which  it  will  readily  be  infer- 
red that  the  colonists  were  undergoing  intense  suffering. 

"  The  space  of  four  months  had  intervened  since  setting 
sail,  little  sickness  in  the  meantime  experienced  other 
than  seasickness,  possibly  more  or  less  'home  sickness,' 
this  latter  nothing  uncommon  however,  as  few  escape 
the  malady  when  leaving  an  old  home  for  a  new. 

"  The  twelfth  day  of  October  had  now  arrived,  and  all 
were  anxiously  looking  forward  to  a  speedy  termination 
of  the  voyage.  Meantime  close  watoh  was  maintained 
from  the  mast  head,  in   anticipation   of  sighting   some 


REV.   JARED  SPARKS'S  NARRATIVE.  343 

desirable  island  until  at  length  the  wind  entirely  failed, 
from  which  cause  we  were,  in  sailor  parlance  '  becalmed,' 
greatly  to  the  discomfiture,  one  might  well  say  annoy- 
ance, of  all  on  board, 

"  I  was  lying  in  my  berth,  vigorously  waving  a  palm 
leaf  fan  in  an  effort  to  allay  the  furious  heat,  my  wife 
sitting  by  my  side,  similarly  engaged,  when  presently 
an  urgent  rap  at  the  door  came,  followed  by  the  bulky- 
form  of  Captain  Hopkins  who,  pushing  forward  ex- 
claimed :  'It's  hot  as  h —  Tophet,  saving  a  lady's  pres- 
ence,'— then  threw  down  his  tarpaulin,  wiping  his  heated 
brow  with  a  generous  bandana. 

"Taking  note  of  the  perturbed  condition  of  the  cap- 
tain's mind,  usually  calm  and  collected,  and  fearing 
something  uncommon  was  about  to  happen,  I  questioned 
in  a  seemingly  unconcerned  manner  as  I  was  loath  to  un- 
duly agitate  the  mind  of  Julia :  'Captain,  is  not  the 
terrible  heat  we  are  at  this  moment  experiencing  increas- 
ing, also  the  wind  dropping  ?  ' 

"'Why  bless  you  Jared,'  he  answered,  '  here's  no 
wind  to  drop.  As  to  the  heat,  there's  only  one  place  of 
which  we  have  any  knowledge  and  that  from  hearsay 
only,  that's  hotter,  and  by  the  powers,  if  the  place  to 
which  it's  said  the  ungodly  are  consigned,  is  anywise  of 
a  higher  temperature,  why — but,  Mistress  Sparks,  you 
must  excuse  an  old  sea  dog  for  the  use  of  intemperate 
language,  as  in  a  case  like  this,  none  other  will  in  the  least 
answer." 

"  '  Possibly,'  resumed  I,  '  this  is  but  the  forerunner  of 
the  trade  winds,  if  so  our  present  condition  would  be 
nothing  out  of  the  usual  run  in  these  latitudes.' 

" '  Forerunner,  you  say  ?  "Well,  if  this  be  such  the  good 
Lord  deliver  us  from  what's  to  come  after,' good  humor- 
edly  responded  the  captain.  '  At  the  same  time  I  would 
earnestly  enjoin  it  upon  you  to  be  prepared  for  the 
worst,  as  I  fear  it's  the  forerunner  of  a  terrible  storm, 
aye,'  he  continued,  '  here  are  the  signs  only  too  plainly 
visible,  notice  Jared,  the  falling  barometer.' 

"  Then  seizing  his  cast-off  tarpaulin  he  hastened  on 


344  BEV.   JARED  SPARKS'S   NARRATIVE. 

deck,  when  I  quickly  followed,  noticing  with  a  sickly 
sensation  of  fear,  as  I  passed,  the  rapid  falling  as  the 
captain  had  averred,  of  the  tell  tale  instrument. 

"Not  a  breath  of  air  was  at  this  moment  stirring,  nor 
scarcely  a  sound,  save  the  languid  rolling  of  the  ship,  as 
it  heaved  to  and  fro  on  the  broad  bosom  of  the  sea. 

"  Captain  Hopkins  was  undoubtedly  a  brave  man  and 
skillful  seaman.  Yet  he  was  now  evidently  laboring  under 
serious  apprehensions,  for  he  exhibited  signs  of  uneasi- 
ness, casting  his  eyes  over  the  sea,  now  aloft  to  the  sky, 
then  to  the  distant  horizon,  the  waters  presenting  a  most 
singular  appearance,  one  that  in  all  my  sea-going  experi- 
ence I  had  never  before  witnessed. 

"  The  sun,  too,  was  partially  obscured  by  a  translucent 
haze,  not  unlike  that  I  had  noticed  from  Nantucket 
beach  previous  to  a  storm  on  a  heated  summer  after- 
noon. 

"  '  Take  in  sail ! '  was  shouted  in  stentorian  tones,  the 
seamen  responding  with  alacrity,  and  ere  a  few  moments, 
nothing  was  seen  aloft  exposed  to  the  winds  save  the 
topsails. 

"I  drew  a  bucket  of  water  from  the  sea,  which  I  found 
like  the  atmosphere  at  nearly  boiling  temperature. 
"What  added  not  a  little  to  the  gravity  of  the  situation 
lay  in  the  fact  that  the  day  was  rapidly  waning.  In 
less  than  two  hours  the  sun  would  set.  Still  another 
fact  being  no  less  apparant,  the  he^t  was  on  the  increase. 
As  remarked  by  the  captain,  'It  is  quite  an  unusual 
occurrence  as  the  sun  is  enveloped  by  so  dense  an  atmos- 
phere.' 

"  The  captain  cast  uneasy  glances  about  the  ship  and 
over  the  sea,  closely  examining  the  rigging  that  nothing 
might  be  found  wanting  or  out  of  place  when  the 
threatened  storm  should  break.  Yet  I  thought  his  mind 
full  of  doubt  and  hesitancy,  and  while  I  made  no  pre- 
tense to  being  a  sailor,  yet  the  many  voyages  I  had 
undertaken,  both  by  sea  and  land,  together  with  having 
lived  nearly  my  whole  life  on  the  borders  of  the  ocean, 
I  felt  in  a  measure  qualified  to  judi^e  not  only  by  indi- 


BEV.   JARED  SPABKS'S   NARRATIVE.  346 

cations  of  the  barometer  but  also  by  tlie  blurred  aspect 
of  the  sun,  around  which  lay  broad  rings  of  vapor.  Thus 
the  situation  was  ominous,  to  say  the  least. 

"  I  also  noticed  the  crew  gazing  anxiously  about,  lifting 
their  eyes  to  the  top-masts,  then  over  the  sea,  meanwhile 
conversing  in  low  tones  suggestive  of  trouble,  while  the 
face  of  the  captain  betrayed  unusual  anxiety.  Thus 
taking  it  altogether,  I  feared  that  all  was  not  right,  and 
as  night  was  rapidly  drawing  near,  serious  trouble,  if  not 
peril,  might  well  be  apprehended.  Meanwhile  the 
sailors  from  the  excessive  heat  had  thrown  off  all  super- 
fluous clothing  leaving  their  arms  bare  to  the  shoulder, 
streams  of  perspiration  deluging  their  faces.  In  fact, 
at  this  juncture  it  was  difficult  for  one  even  to  get  his 
breath.  So  the  captain  ordered  the  poles  stripped  bare 
and  the  cook  to  prepare  supper,  though  much  earlier 
than  usual,  as  he  deemed  it  wise  to  be  throughly  pre- 
pared for  the  breaking  of  the  storm  which  it  was  evi- 
dent would  not  much  longer  be  delayed. 

"  In  a  few  minutes  thereafter,  the  sailors  were  congre- 
gated about  the  captain,  busy  with  their  evening  meal, 
while  at  the  suggestion  of  the  captain,  the  passengers 
were  similarily  engaged. 

"  There  was  now  not  a  breath  of  air  stirring,  the  sea 
lying  in  one  unbroken  glare,  the  broad  ring  so  lately 
surrounding  the  sinking  sun,  had  wholly  disappeared,  a 
heavy  mass  of  dense  clouds  taking  its  place,  a  deep 
darkness  enshrouding  both  sky  and  sea. 

"One  thing  noticed  particularly  at  this  time,  and  to 
which  I  called  the  captain's  attention,  was  that  while 
the  sun  had  not  entirely  sunk  beneath  the  horizon,  the 
darkness  should  have  become  so  intense. 

*'  In  reply,  he  said, '  This  almost  total  darkness  is  caused 
mainly  by  the  dense  clouds  surrounding  and  enveloping 
the  sun's  disc  and  I  can  but  own,'  he  continued,  'it 
quite  frightens  me,  and  let  me  now  tell  you,  friend 
JareJ,  a  fearful  storm  is  brewing.  How  we  shall  come 
out  of  it,  the  Lord  only  knows  I  I  think,  however, 
'twould  be  best  to  hold  speech  with  Obadiah  Jennings, 


846  BEV.   JAREi)  SPARKS'S   NARRATlVIfi. 

Neliemiali  Clark  and  others  touching  on  the  state  of 
affairs,  that  all  needful  preparations  be  made,  tending  to 
the  safety  of  the  women  and  children.  At  the  same 
time  I  would  caution  you  to  give  them  no  needless  alarm 
and  possibly,  parson,'  he  added,  '  a  few  earnest  prayers 
might  not  be  out  of  place,  for  if  the  help  of  the  Lord  was 
ever  needed,  'tis  now  or  soon  will  be,  as  I  am  thoroughly 
convinced  our  situation  is  verging  on  extreme  peril." 

"  Deeming  the  captain's  suggestion  a  wise  one,  I  imme- 
diately proceeded  to  carry  it  into  effect,  going  below  and 
conferring  with  those  previously  mentioned,  but  before 
doing  so,  I  asked  from  which  direction  the  storm  would 
probably  approach. 

" '  From  the  north,'  he  replied,  *  as  that  is  from 
whence  come  the  swells.' 

"The  storm  seeming  to  be  on  the  point  of  breaking, 
the  captain  ordered  all  below,  yet  the  words  had  scarcely 
escaped  his  lips,  when  there  came  a  blinding  flash,  fol- 
lowed by  a  crashing  rej)ort,  succeeded  by  another  still 
more  powerful  and  thunderous. 

"  Now  followed  a  period  of  deathlike  silence,  darkness 
brooding  on  the  face  of  the  deep,  nothing  heard  save 
the  clanking  anchor  chains  and  rattling  of  blocks,  caused 
by  the  uneasy  heaving  of  the  ship. 

"Meantime  the  passengers  had  all  gone  below,  save 
Julia,  who  begged  so  piteously  to  remain  at  my  side  that 
I  could  not  say  her  nay,  yet  I  well  knew  the  danger  was 
great  from  the  incoming  seas,  soon  to  flow  with  resist- 
less current  along  the  deck,  the  air  seemed  charged  with 
some  subtle  odor  suggestive  of  brimstone  and  anon  a 
few  drops  of  rain  fell. 

"Looking  far  away  over  the  sea  in  the  direction  from 
whence  came  the  wind,  I  saw  the  advance  of  the  storm 
on  which  I  admonished  Julia  to  hurry  below. 

"  Midnight  darkness  was  now  over  everything,  yet  in- 
stead of  being  solidly  massed,  the  clouds  were  divided, 
leaving  a  narrow  strip  of  blue  visible,  through  which 
were  discerned  the  stars,  the  sky  illuminated  by  the 
constant  play  of  sheet  lightning. 


REV.  JARED  sparks' S  NARRATIVE.  347 

"There  yet  remained  one  small  sail  not  thoroughly 
secured,  but  the  captain  shouted  in  excited  and  I 
thought  frightened  tones : 

"  '  Down  for  your  lives,  men,  down  for  your  lives ! ' 

"Then  the  storm  in  all  its  fury  struck  the  ship,  the 
sea  boiling  in  rage,  the  elements  seeming  to  combine  to 
our  swift  destruction. 

"  I  can  hardly  describe  the  scene  that  followed,  the 
raging  tumultuous  billows,  the  continued  thunder  of 
heaven's  artillery,  screeching,  howling  blasts  of  wind,  as 
they  tore  through  the  rigging. 

"  At  this  moment  my  wife  came  hurrying  from  below, 
beseeching  in  agonized  tones,  "  For  my  sake,  Jared,  if  no 
other,  come  down  1    The  storm  is  upon  us !  " 

"  But  loath  to  leave  a  scene  of  such  startling,  one  might 
well  say,  awful  grandeur,  exhibiting  in  full  force  the 
power  of  the  Almighty,  I  was  fain  to  linger,  when, 
seizing  me  by  the  arm,  she  dragged  me  to  the  ladder. 

"  Immediately  thereafter,  the  hurricane  struck  us ;  but 
who  can  describe  its  relentless  power,  as  the  mad, 
shrieking,  hurling  tempest  of  wind,  deafening  thunder, 
blinding  shafts  of  lightning,  deluging  sheets  of  rain, 
came  upon  us? 

"  At  the  first  onset  of  the  tempest,  the  ship  seemed  to 
remain  as  though  glued  to  the  wave ;  then  suddenly, 
turned  on  her  side,  her  bulwark  touching  the  raging 
billows,  while  the  sea  poured  in  torrents  over  the  rail. 

"  Now  the  wind  roared,  the  waves  rose  mountain  high, 
yet  the  vessel,  partially  lifting,  sped  over  the  tumult- 
uous seas,  drawn  at  the  will  of  the  tempest. 

"  But  what  a  thrilling  scene  was  being  enacted  below  ! 
Men  down  on  their  knees  praying,  women  shrieking  to 
God  for  help,  children  sobbing  and  crying  as  though 
their  hearts  would  break! 

"I  went  down  among  them,  counselling  them  to  be  calm, 
beseeching  the  Almighty  in  his  infinite  mercy  to  stay 
the  tempest,  or  in  the  event  of  our  being  lost,  that  we 
might  be  reconciled  to  our  fate,  '  Knowing  He  doeth  all 
things  well.' 


848  REV.  JARED  SPARES'S  NARRATIVE. 

*'  Oa  a  sudden,  while  engaged  in  these  devotions,  there 
came  a  deafening  report  from  overhead ;  the  sail  remain- 
ing unfurled  had  given  away.  The  vessel,  previous  to 
the  blowing  away  of  the  sail,  was  nearly  half  under 
water,  yet  she  now  partially  righted. 

"  Imagine,  if  possible,  the  feelings  of  so  large  a  number 
of  poor  dependent  souls,  confined  within  the  stifling 
cabin,  expecting  each  moment  to  be  their  lastl 

"The  ship  continued  to  plunge  more  heavily,  rushing 
on  with  maddening  speed;  no  possibility  of  keeping  her 
on  her  course. 

"  In  this  manner  several  hours  passed,  the  vessel  driv- 
ing heedlessly  on,  when  of  a  sudden,  without  warning, 
the  loud,  angry,  deafening  roar  of  breakers  came  to  our 
startled  ears. 

"  '  Now,'  said  Captain  Hopkins,  *as  the  ship  will  soon 
go  to  pieces,  in  which  event  not  a  soul  can  be  saved,  the 
only  recourse  is  the  boats — and  let  it  be  understood,'  he 
continued,  standing  in  our  midst,  calm  and  collected,  like 
the  brave  shipmaster  he  was,  'not  a  man,  either  crew  or 
passenger,  will  leave  the  wreck,  until  the  safety  of  your 
wives  and  children  is  assured,  anyhow  as  far  as  the 
boats  are  competent  to  effect  their  rescue.' 

"  Then  he  ordered  the  mate  to  attend  to  the  lowering 
of  the  craft,  comprising  a  launch  capable  of  sustaining 
twenty  persons,  two  smaller  ones  holding  ten  each ; 
which  order  carried  out,  the  embarkation  was  begun. 

"  All  were  lowered  over  the  sides  of  the  wreck  save 
Captain  Hopkins,  my  wife,  Eebecca  Wainwright,  a 
daughter  of  a  colonist,  and  myself.  I  had  implored  both 
the  women  to  follow  their  companions  to  the  boats,  but 
Julia  indignantly  refused,  saying  she  would  if  needs  be 
die  with,  but  under  no  consideration  forsake  me.  As  to 
Rebecca,  she  averred  that  as  Mistress  Julia  had  shown 
her  much  kindness  on  the  voj'^age,  nursing  her  though  a 
severe  fit  of  sickness,  she  would  remain  by  her  side,  and 
as  the  boats  were  already  overloaded,  the  signal  was 
given,  when  they  moved  away  to  the  sound  of  falling 
oars.     We  never  saw  them  again. 


REV.    JARED   SPARKS'S   NARRATIVE.  S49 

'*  I  believed  I  could  see  the  hand  of  Providence  in  thus 
putting  into  the  hearts  of  these  brave  women  to  remain 
to  what  seemed  certain  death,  and  the  question  often 
arose,  *  Why  should  we  be  spared  in  preference  to  so 
many  others  ?  '  yet  I  could  but  say,  '  Lord,  thy  waj^s  are 
not  as  our  ways.'  Thus  we  remained  on  deck  the  long 
night  througli,  until  at  length  the  light  of  breaking- 
dawn  appearing,  we  were  greatly  comforted  to  find  our- 
selves still  alive  and  the  storm  in  a  large  measure 
abated. 

"  The  captain  now  left  us,  repairing  to  the  hold.  Soon 
returning,  an  expression  of  delight  showing  on  his 
countenance,  he  reported,  'Save  a  hole  staved  in  her 
side,  the  ship's  bottom  is  comparatively  sound.'  He 
averred  also  that  from  being  careened,  the  hole  lying 
uppermost  and  the  vessel  cast  so  high  on  the  rocks,  no 
immediate  danger  need  be  apprehended.  Joyful  news 
indeed!  and  lifting  my  voice  in  prayer,  I  gave  thanks  to 
God  for  having  so  signally  preserved  us,  in  which  I  was 
heartily  joined  by  Julia,  Rebecca  and  the  stout-hearted 
captain. 

"  Meanwhile,  dawn  had  so  far  advanced  that  distant 
objects  were  brought  to  view,  and  we  scanned  the  waters 
in  all  directions,  hoping  thereby  to  discover  our  com- 
panions ;  but  nothing  was  seen  save  the  high  rolling 
billows  and  the  waters  dashing  over  the  thickly-strewn 
reefs — a  wide  waste  of  waters ;  no  oar,  no  sail.  Yet  what 
is  that!  Away  over  to  the  left  an  object  is  now  clearly 
discernible  in  the  increasing  light.  Yet  who  shall 
describe  my  emotions  upon  the  captain  shouting  in 
cheery  tones,  '  An  island.'  Aye,  an  island,  indeed,  and 
not  many  leagues  distant. 

"  As  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  extending  on  either 
hand,  were  to  be  seen  the  tops  and  slopes  of  mountain 
ridges,  clothed  in  vivid  green,  a  purplish  haze  envelop- 
ing their  base.  Still  no  where  on  the  broad  bosom  of 
the  ocean  could  be  discovered  the  ship's  boats. 

" '  Had  they  perished,  while  we,  no  more  worthy,  were 
saved?'  was  a  thought  constantly  agitating  my  mind, 


850  REV.   JARED   SPARKS'S   NARRATIVH. 

Or  OQ  the  other  hand,  had  thej,  as  T  devoutly  prayed, 
found  shelter  and  rest  on  those  delightful  shores  ? 

"  At  length  casting  about,  materials  for  breakfast  were 
soon  gathered ;  Julia,  with  the  assistance  of  the  maid 
Rebecca,  placing  before  us  a  most  excelleut  meal,  to  which 
all  did  ample  justice. 

"  The  domestic  animals  in  whose  company  we  set  out  on 
the  voyage,  had  one  by  one  succumbed  to  the  fierce 
tropical  heat,  save  those  now  with  us,  three  head  of  sheep 
and  one  pair  of  fowl,  the  remainder  with  their  coop  having 
been  washed  overboard  during  the  height  of  the  storm. 
These  were  now  faithfully  attended  to,  provided  with 
food  and  water,  the  cock  crowing  in  evident  delight  upon 
again  beholding  his  friends,  the  sheep  also  manifesting 
their  appreciation  of  our  thoughtful  care  by  loud  baa  and 
I've  no  doubt  experienced  much  relief  from  being  able 
to  maintain  an  upright  position,  an  impossible  feat  when 
the  vessel  was  rolling,  pitching  and  tossing  as  during  the 
past  night. 

"Breakfast  over,  a  general  consultation  was  held  in 
regard  to  devising  some  method  whereby  to  reach  the 
not  distant  shores,  as  not  only  our  present  comfort,  but 
the  preservation  of  our  lives  even,  demanded  immediate 
action,  though  as  Captain  Hopkins  remarked,  '  Should 
the  storm  continue  to  abate  and  the  weather  remain 
fine,  I  see  no  reason  why  the  vessel  should  not  hold 
together  for  several  days,'  However,  the  main  point  for 
consideration  was  as  to  the  best  plan  whereby  to  carry 
out  the  move  as  suggested  to  reach  the  land  lying 
plainly  in  sight.  Yet  had  it  been  much  farther  away, 
our  situation  could  have  been  little  more  aggravated, 
for  we  had  no  boat,  and  even  supposing  we  were  in  pos- 
session of  the  craft,  it  would  have  been  of  little  service, 
as  the  sea  in  every  direction  seemed  encompassed  with 
partially  sunken  reefs  over  which  the  water  dashed  with 
overwhelming  power. 


THB  BESCUl.  851 


CHAPTER  L. 

THE  RESCUE. 


44 


IN  this  emergency,  Mistress  Julia  came  to  our  relief, 
remarking,  *  I  once  heard  of  a  crew  of  ship- 
wrecked sailors  saved  by  means  of  a  raft  constructed 
from  fragments  of  the  broken  vessel.' 

"'Aye,'  interposed  Captain  Hopkins,  'while  a  boat 
would,  as  I  conceive,  be  of  little  use,  we  must  adopt  the 
wise  suggestion  of  Mistress  Sparks.' 

"'A  raft  then  it  shall  be,'  said  I,  'for  a  craft  draw- 
ing more  than  a  few  inches  of  water  would  live  in  this 
rock-begirt  sea  but  a  few  moments,  and  we  could  easily 
conjecture  the  fate  of  our  companions,  who  were  doubt- 
less dashed  on  the  reefs  ere  they  had  gone  half  a  score  of 
boat  lengths  away  from  the  wreck.' 

"The  overturned  masts  to  which  were  attached  the 
broken  shrouds  and  cordage,  still  clung  to  the  vessel's 
side,  and  upon  examining  the  hold,  another  supply 
of  extra  spars,  coils  of  rope  and  sails  were  discov- 
ered and  raised  to  the  deck ;  the  masts  cut  loose,  floated 
near  the  ship's  bow. 

"  Taking  into  consideration  the  large  supply  of  provi- 
sions, farming  implements,  together  with  looms,  spinning 
wheels  and  many  other  things  of  like  character,  also  the 
ship's  armament,  the  captain  said  : 

" '  Jared,  our  craft  should  be  of  good  size,  covering  a 
considerable  space,  otherwise  the  sunken  reefs  and  rocks 
whose  crests  frequently  approach  the  surface  can 
scarcely  be  avoided,  as  the  loads  must  inevitably  be 
heavy.' 

"So  it  was  finally  decided  to  make  the  raft  twenty-five 
feet  in  length  by  twelve  in  breadth. 

"  We  now  proceeded  to  cut  the  masts  of  the  required 


852  THE   RISCUB. 

length  to  serve  for  outside  timbers,  tlie  spars  laid  cross- 
wise two  feet  apart;  while  at  the  middle  and  either  end, 
were  bound  large  pieces  of  timber,  after  which  ropes 
were  interlaced,  strongly  binding  the  entire  fabric.  Yet 
in  order  to  make  the  outer  pieces  still  more  secure,  auger 
holes  were  bored,  into  which  were  driven  large  pins, 
while  over  all  was  laid  doors  secured  from  the  state- 
rooms and  officers'  quarters,  these  latter  thoroughly 
nailed  to  the  masts  and  spars.  These  doors,  we  well 
knew,  would  come  handy,  when,  as  remarked  bj  Mis- 
tress Julia,  '  we  build  our  house,'  for  she  was,  be  it 
said,  of  a  practical  turn,  nothing  escaping  her  observa- 
tion that  would  in  the  least  tend  to  future  comfort  and 
convenience. 

"Several  hours  were  thus  spent,  the  work  proving 
quite  severe  to  our  unskilled  hands,  made  doubly  so 
from  the  extreme  heat.  Yet  we  could  now  look  upon 
the  result  of  our  labors  with  a  large  degree  of  satisfac- 
tion, as  here  lay  the  means  of  escape  from  whnt  might 
well  be  deemed  a  perilous  situation,  as  also  our  future 
safety  measurably  assured,  were  we  but  enabled  to  reach 
the  shores  of  yon  'enchanted  island.' 

"Eebecca,  of  a  romantic  turn,  stigmatized  the  ill-look- 
ing craft  'as  no  inapt  representation  of  Noah's  Ark, 
save  the  high  towering  sides  and  roof  of  that  unique 
structure,'  at  which  we  all  laughed  heartily,  thankful  to 
catch  at  anything  in  the  least  tending  to  raise  our  spirits 
and  relieve  our  minds  from  the  contemplation  of  the  sad 
scenes  of  the  past  night. 

"  A  stout  spar,  twenty  feet  in  length,  was  now  fastened 
to  the  timber  running  cross-wise  through  the  centre,  to 
serve  as  a  mast.  To  this  we  secured  a  yard  so  contrived 
as  to  be  easily  raised,  to  which  was  attached  a  sail  of 
sufficient  breadth  to  drive  the  raft  with  a  fair  rate  of  speed, 
especially  under  pressure  of  a  good  breeze. 

"  A  half  hour  before  nightfall,  all  was  in  readiness  for 
departure,  a  considerable  quantity  of  provisions  on  board, 
consisting  of  salt  pork  and  beef,  besides  our  entire  stock 
of  gunpowder  and  small  arms.     The  sun   now  dropped 


THE   RESCUE.  853 

beneath  the  sea  in  a  clear  sky,  hardly  a  trace  of  the  last 
night's  disaster  visible  other  than  the  stranded  ship. 
Thus  all  things  seemed  to  assure  fair  weather  for  the 
morrow,  doubtless  a  day  of  toil  and  deep  anxiety,  as  on 
the  success  of  a  safe  voyage  depended  our  future.  So 
it  was  decided  to  get  off  at  as  early  an  hour  as  possible. 

"  We  retired  early  and  slept  well,  awakened  by  the 
captain  merrily  shouting : 

" '  Avast  there  below,  shipmates.  Hasten  up  and 
behold  the  glories  of  the  morning.' 

"  Truly  a  sight  to  cheer  the  faintest  heart,  for  the  sun 
in  all  its  majestic  brilliancy  was  just  emerging  from  out 
the  sea,  not  a  cloud  obscuring  its  rays. 

"Breakfast  eaten,  I  offered  humble  and  devout  thanks 
to  the  Ruler  of  the  Universe  for  the  preservation  of  our 
lives,  beseeching  a  blessing  on  our  perilous  undertaking, 
well  knowing  that  effort  on  our  part  must  not  be  wanting. 

"  Everything  now  in  readiness,  my  wife  and  Rebecca 
took  station  on  board  the  huge  craft,  sail  was  hoisted, 
and  we  were  away,  a  fair  breeze  slowly  wafting  us  from 
the  side  of  the  good  ship.  Starlight^  to  which  we  had 
become  greatly  attached  during  the  long  weary  months 
of  the  voyage.  Our  prow  was  pointed  to  shores  where  it 
was  impossible  to  conjecture  what  might  be  our  reception. 

"Previous  to  setting  sail,  a  rudder  having  a  long  sweep 
attached,  was  fastened  to  the  stern  ;  also  a  light  rail, 
some  two  feet  in  height,  run  around  the  outer  side, 
as  the  principal  danger  to  be  apprehended  lay  in  being- 
thrown  overboard  as  a  result  of  striking  the  rocks, 
which  in  many  instances  rose  above  the  surface.  How- 
ever, the  swells  greatly  aided  us  in  riding  over  the  pro- 
jections. Still  the  utmost  efforts  of  the  skilled  sailor 
were  required  to  be  put  forth  in  order  to  avoid  being 
capsized.  Yet  fair  progress  was  made,  and  in  the  course 
of  a  couple  of  hours,  we  had  made  such  headway  that 
the  wreck  was  left  far  astern,  and  we  were  momentarily 
arriving  nearer  the  shores  of  what  might  well  be  termed 
*  an  enchanting  island.'  Another  half  hour  saw  ns 
safely  landed. 
22 


364'  THE   RESCUE. 

*'  Our  craft  was  now  securely  tied  by  a  stout  cable  to  a 
neighboring  tree.  Thus  oar  voyage  had  most  happily 
terminated,  our  possessions  lying  moored  in  a  safe  haven. 
Would  it  prove  '  one  of  rest '  ?  A  fact  which  time 
only  could  determine.  Yet  the  sensations  arising  from 
again  standing  on  solid  earth  were  most  pleasing,  as  it 
was  a  privilege  heretofore  long  denied  us. 

"  Partaking  of  a  hasty  lunch,  we  unloaded  our  stores  ; 
then  erected  a  tent,  partly  a  means  of  shelter  from  the 
sun's  burning  rays  as  also  for  the  security  of  our  price- 
less stores,  particularly  the  ammunition,  esteemed  of  the 
first  importance. 

The  captain  now  said  : 

"  Should  the  weather  continue  fine  for  several  days, 
as  now  seems  possible,  we  may  be  able  to  secure  the 
larger  portion  of  the  cargo,  possibly  the  whole,  though 
necessarily  involving  a  number  of  trips.  Still  as  our 
raft  has  proven  more  serviceable  and  seaworthy  than  we 
had  reason  to  expect,  I  see  nothing  in  the  way  of  its 
successful  accomplishment. 

"  The  tent  placed  in  position,  we  left  my  wife  and 
Rebecca  to  stow  away  the  lighter  articles,  and  again  set 
sail,  returning  to  the  wreck,  and  as  the  raft  was  now 
without  a  load,  we  made  more  rapid  progress  than  on 
the  in- going  trip. 

*'  Arriving  at  the  wreck  in  a  little  less  than  two  hours, 
we  again  commenced  loading,  putting  on  board  many  of 
the  weightier  articles,  among  which  were  the  carron- 
ades,  a  crate  of  crockery,  looms,  spinning  wheels,  car- 
penters' tools,  and  a  grindstone,  not  overlooking  the 
sheep  and  fowls.  An  hour  before  sunset  saw  us  on  the 
homeward  route,  and  though  heavily  laden,  the  craft 
made  fair  speed,  riding  easily  over  the  bosom  of  the 
deep,  buoyed  up  by  the  swells,  as  in  an  ordinary  sea  it 
would  have  been  simply  impossible  to  make  the  least 
bit  of  headway.  We  now  felt  ourselves  in  a  situation 
not  devoid  of  comfort,  possessing  as  we  did  the  means  of 
subsistence  for  a  considerable  period  of  time,  and  were 
it  to  be  our  fate  to  spend  our  lives  on  this  far  away 


THK   RESCUE.  855 

island  of  the  Southern  Hemisphere,  believing  it  the  will 
of  God  and  for  some  wise  purpose  in  thus  ordering  our 
ways,  we  could  but  do  our  duty  cheerful]}'',  recognizing 
the  hand  which  had  placed  us  in  this  condition.  Not 
only  this,  but  also  sparing  our  lives  while  so  many  of  our 
friends  and  companions  had  miserably  perished  ;  and  it 
may  well  be  conceived  that  these  thoughts  frequently 
occurred  to  my  mind  with  overwhelming  force. 

*'  On  the  fifth  day  a  tempest  that  had  been  threatening 
now  rose  in  all  its  fury,  sweeping  over  land  and  sea,  and 
it  was  only  by  the  greatest  exertions,  that  we  were  en- 
abled to  keep  our  frail  structure  from  succumbing  to  its 
powers. 

"The  rain  also  began  falling,  increasing  in  volume  un- 
til it  seemed  to  pour  in  unbroken  sheets,  and  it  was 
scarcely  possible,  as  I  said  to  my  wife,  to  keep  our 
priceless  stores  from  inevitable  ruin.  Yet  it  would  not 
do  to  stand  idly  by,  mourning  our  prospective  losses. 
Rather,  we  went  to  work  with  a  will  cutting  pegs,  and 
driving  them  at  the  outer  edges  of  the  cloth,  in  tlie  end, 
securing  them  against  the  mighty  blasts  sweeping  over 
us  and  the  overwhelming  floods  threatening  our  destruc- 
tion. 

"The  sea,  too,  became  enshroudedin  a  hazy,  impene- 
trable mist,  completely  hiding  the  wreck  from  view,  yet 
we  well  knew  its  fate. 

"  The  storm  lasted  for  the  space  of  three  hours  ere  its 
mighty  power  was  stayed,  when  fragments  of  the 
broken  vessel  were  observed  floating  toward  the  shore. 

"  The  clouds  and  mist  at  length  clearing,  we  were  en- 
abled  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  the  late  position  of  the 
wreck,  but  not  a  spar,  timber,  or  shattered  bulwark  re- 
mained of  the  once  staunch  Starlight.  Aye,  all  was  gone, 
not  a  vestige  left,  and  out  of  the  forty  and  eight  souls 
who  sailed  from  the  New  England  port  in  confidence 
and  hope,  four  only  remained,  and  they  castaways  on 
these  wild  untrodden  shores.  The  angry  sea  had  lit- 
erally swallowed  up  in  its  depths  friends,  comrades,  all; 
we   alone   left   to  tell  the  sad  tale,   I  to  jot   it   down 


356  THE    RESCUE. 

in  a  log  book  of  fate,  that  future  generations  might 
learn  what  befel  those  who  at  the  outset  were  evidently 
destined  to  as  long  life  and  prospective  happiness  as 
were  we. 

"  The  storm  of  wind,  tempest  and  deluging  rain,  was 
now  over,  little  of  its  eifects  visible,  save  the  total  dis- 
appearance of  the  wreck,  and  here  and  there  the  pros- 
trate trunk  of  same  huge  monarch  of  the  forest.  Again 
the  sun  shone  in  all  its  splendor ;  its  beams  warm  and 
cheering,  our  hearts  correspondingly  light. 

"  Four  and  one  half  months  had  now  elapsed  since  set- 
ting sail  on  board  the  Starlight^  a  voyage  fraught  with 
such  momentous  consequences,  ending  in  such  inglorious 
results  and  to  most  of  its  members,  awful  character. 

"  It  was  now  nearing  the  middle  of  October,  and  we 
could  scarcely  expect  more  than  five  or  six  weeks  of  fine 
weather.  So  our  out-of-door  work  must  necessarily  be 
closed  up  within  that  time.  As  remarked  Captain 
Hopkins :  *  We  must  to  work,  our  future  lies  before  us, 
mainly  as  we  choose  to  make  it,  aye,' continued  he,  'our 
duty  is  plain,  especially  as  regards  those  nobly  courageous 
souls,  Mistress  Sparks  and  Rebecca.' 

"  '  By  right  of  discovery,'  he  added,  '  we  are,  as  far  as 
we  yet  know,  the  sole,  undisputed  owners  of  one  of  the 
choicest  portions  of  God's  domain,  taking  peaceable, 
though,  as  one  may  say,  forced  possession.  Thus,  as 
joint  owners,  it  only  remains  for  us  to  improve  our 
heritage.' 

"'Yes,'  said  I,  'you  speak  naught  but  the  truth, 
therefore  let  us  not  '  bury  our  talent,'  for  we  shall  doubt- 
less be  called  to  render  strict  account  of  our  steward- 
ship.' 

"'Which  goes  to  show,'  answered  the  captain,  'that 
our  first  duty  lies  in  the  direction  of  a  comfortable  habi- 
tation, to  which  end,  I  propose  we  fell  trees  and  con- 
struct one  of  our  old  New  England  cabins,  which  will, 
from  association,  not  only  have  a  tendency  to  make  us 
feel  more  at  home  but  also  at  the  same  time  guard  our 
valuable  possessions  against  storm,  wild  beasts  and  the 


THE  RESCUE.  357 

no  less  savage  instincts  of  the  barbarous  natives,  should 
such  there  be.  But  let  us  first  ascend  to  the  top  of  this 
hill  and  take  an  observation  inland,  as,  from  our  present 
location,  we  are  entirely  hidden  from  other  than  a  sea 
view." 

"  '  Yes,'  replied  I,  '  possibly  we  may  discover  a  more 
suitable  place  for  our  residence,  but  before  making  the 
attempt,  let  us  hold  speech  with  the  no  less  interested 
members  of  our  family,  my  wife  and  Rebecca.' 

"  Having  looked  about  us  and  taken  counsel  together, 
we  at  length  decided  on  the  site  for  our  cabin  and  the 
next  morning  set  to  work.  Breakfast  over,  we  shouldered 
our  axes,  Julia  and  Rebecca  each  carrying  a  musket, 
and  we  were  off  to  the  scenes  of  our  labors,  where  we 
felled  great  trees,  afterwards  cutting  them  into  suitable 
lengths  for  the  walls  of  our  cabin,  log  house,  as  they 
would  say  in  New  England.  Ere  nightfall,  a  sufficient 
number  lay  ready  to  commence  operations, 

"  The  following  morning  found  us  again  astir,  and 
early  at  work,  and  in  the  short  space  of  one  week,  our 
house  was  nearly  ready  for  occupancy.  While  it  could 
boast  of  but  little  beauty,  we  considered  it  quite  com- 
fortable, the  latter  of  the  most  consequence,  as  our  neigh- 
bors had  nothing  better.  Leaving  the  internal  arrange- 
ments to  our  fair  companions,  (though  little  could  be  said 
on  this  score,  as  the  constant  exposure  to  tlie  sun,  wind 
and  weather  had  contributed  greatly  to  unfairness  of 
complexion,  yet  unbounded  health  glov/ed  in  their  cheeks,) 
the  captain  and  myself,  with  shovel  and  spade,  turned 
over  the  rich  mould,  extending  over  an  area  of  nearly  an 
acre,  in  readiness  for  planting,  ere  the  rainy  season  should 
set  in. 

"  This  work  completed,  we  next  erected  a  block  house 
on  the  top  of  which  were  mounted  the  two  carronades, 
the  walls  being  pierced  for  muskets,  so  that  in  case  of 
attack  from  any  source,  we  would  be  fully  prepared  my 
idea  always  having  been,  never  more  pronounced  than 
now,  that  while  placing  full  reliance  on  Providence, 
material  aid  should  not  be  overlooked. 


858  ISLAND  EXPEEIENCES  CONTINUED. 

"Meantime  our  little  flock  of  slieep  having  received 
all  necessary  attention,  there  was  a  fair  possibility  that  an 
increase  might  soon  be  looked  for,  a  fact  greatly  to  be 
desired,  for  to  this  source  must  we  eventually  look  for 
clothing  as  well  as  sustenance;  and  as  the  wild  animals, 
whose  dismal  howls  were  increasing,  particularly  at 
night  time,  would  doubtless  prove  troublesome,  an 
enclosure  was  formed  and  stout  palisades  driven  round 
its  entire  circuit,  of  sufficient  height  to  prevent  an 
entrance.  A  small  portion  was  also  tightly  enclosed  and 
roofed  over,  within  which  the  little  flock  was  securely 
housed  during  the  night. 


CHAPTER  LI. 

ISLAND  EXPEEIENCES  CONTINUED, 

*  '  T>  EBECCA  WAINRIGHT,  a  fine,  stout,  healthy 
w\i  maiden,  both  physically  and  mentally,  had  thus 
far  proven  a  most  valuable  and  faithful  auxiliary  to 
our  little  force,  and  from  the  fact  of  Captain  Hopkins 
being  a  bachelor,  I  argued  the  time  not  far  distant  when 
he  would  determine  it  not  wise  'for  man  to  be  alone.' 
So  it  came  about  that  within  the  year,  the  marriage  rites 
between  him  and  Rebecca  were  solemnized,  I  as  an  ac- 
credited minister  of  the  gospel,  performing  the  ceremony. 
Truly  an  occasion  for  rejoicing,  neither  of  the  parties 
having  occasion  for  regret  thereafter,  and  I  would  here 
add  a  few  words  in  the  interest  of  the  estimable  captain, 
who  was  not  only  a  conspicuous  member  of  our  party, 
but  had  also  proven  himself  truly  a  friend  in  time  of  the 
greatest  need. 

"  Brave,  capable,  efficient ;  generous  to  a  fault  ;  ever 
ready  to  sacrifice  interest,  ease  and  comfort  for  the 
general  good  ;  modest,  unassuming,  lowly  in  spirit,  yet, 
when  occasion  required,  rising  to  the  height  demanded, 
overcoming  every  obstacle,  he  was  as  I  may  say  one  of 


ISLAND  EXPERIENCES  CONTINUED.  359 

a  thoiisaud,  and  to  liis  ripe  judgment,  enterprise  and 
sterling  qualities,  may  well  be  ascribed  our  success  and 
manifold  achievements. 

"The  years  have  passed  swiftly  by,  until  we  now 
number  fifteen  souls,  while  our  flock  of  sheep  have 
grown  to  proportions  far  exceeding  our  most  sanguine 
expectations. 

"  A  fort  stands  on  the  summit  of  the  hill,  the  scene  of 
our  original  exploration  and  the  starting  point  of  the 
island  adventures,  from  which  are  displayed  the  frown- 
ing muzzles  of  the  Starlight's  carronades,  while  over- 
head floats  the  ship's  colors. 

"  The  soil  of  our  domain  is  uncommonly  rich  and  pro- 
ductive; some  fifty  acres  in  the  aggregate  under  cul- 
tivation. 

"  We  have  given  up  all  hope  of  again  beholding  the 
face  of  any  civilized  human  being,  save  our  own  people, 
it  being  evident  that  no  vessel  sailing  the  seas  can 
approach  our  shores. 

"  With  this  hope  abandoned,  we  determined,  under 
God,  a  colony,  a  nation  even,  should  be  founded  ;  its 
custodian,  the  Lord  God  of  Hosts :  its  upbuilding  and  prin- 
cipal structure,  secured  by  a  knowledge  of  His  ways. 

"Our  progeny  becoming  numerous  and  fast  approach- 
ing man  and  woinanliood,  my  one  great  desire  was  that 
.they  be  taught  not  only  the  word  of  God,  but  also  those 
branches  tending  to  their  material  welfare ;  and  as  the 
Bible  was  the  only  book  secured  from  the  wreck,  I 
devised  and  compiled  text  books  for  spelling,  reading 
and  a  simple  form  of  grammar,  also  a  work  on  geogra- 
phy and  arithmetic. 

"This  done,  I  organized  a  school,  spending  several 
hours  each  day  instructing  the  children,  receiving  much 
help  from  my  wife,  who  proved  an  apt  teacher. 

"  Thus  the  time  passed  until  at  the  end  of  thirty  years, 
we  find  ourselves  nearing  the  close  of  the  seventeenth 
century,  at  which  period  our  number  has  grown  to  two 
hundred,  of  all  ages  and  both  sexes. 

In  this  manner  we   have  lived  for   the   space   of  an 


360  ISLAND   EXPERIENCES  CONTINUED. 

ordinary  lifetime ;  hearing,  knowing  nothing  of  the 
great  outside  world,  so  near,  yet  so  far  away — near,  as 
judged  by  miles;  far,  as  the  least  knowledge  is  obtain- 
able. 

"  I  am  now  seventy -five  years  of  age,  and  while  in  the 
enjoyment  of  good  health,  I  cannot  expect  to  survive  a 
much  longer  period  than  that  allotted  to  man — three 
score  years  and  ten. 

"  I  have,  so  far  as  lay  within  my  power,  dedicated  my 
life  to  the  service  of  God;  the  interests  of  my  family 
and  the  weal  of  the  community ;  performing  every 
known  duty  cheerfully,  uncomplainingly,  believing  it 
God's  will,  and  that  for  His  own  wise  purpose  we  were 
brought  to  these  shores.  My  wife,  now  quite  aged,  has 
never  for  a  moment  murmured  at  tlie  strange  lot  in  which 
her  life  was  cast ;  her  one  delight  and  highest  ambition 
that  of  training  ber  numerous  progeny,  not  as  is  too 
often  the  case,  in  the  fear,  but  rather  in  the  love  of  their 
Creator,  teaching  His  ways  and  wonderful  works,  mean- 
time, giving  due  diligence  to  their  material  interests. 
Thus  while  her  duties  have  been  manifold  her  labors 
severe,  never  a  word  of  complaint  has  been  heard  from 
her  lips.  Now  well  along  in  years,  surrounded  by  our 
children  to  the  third  and  fourth  generation,  may  we  not 
look  backward  to  a  life  well-spent,  trusting  all  to  God 
and  the  future  to  his  glory. 

"  Having  taught  our  children  to  implicitly  obey  the 
laws  of  nature,  illness  and  disease  are  almost  unknown  ; 
the  skill  of  a  physician  being  seldom  required,  the 
simple  remedies  compounded  from  roots  and  herbs,  all 
that  are  required.  As  our  numbers  increase,  in  like 
measure  do  our  wants,  which  have  at  all  times  and 
seasons  been  fully  met,  and  as  I  now  look  about,  witness- 
ing the  rapidly  increasing  population;  well-clothed, 
well-fed ;  in  possession  of  all  the  requisites  of  life,  I 
may  well  say,  it  would  ill  behoove  us  to  refrain  from 
returning  thanks  to  an  all-wise  Providence,  who  hath 
led  us  to  a  land  wherein  doth  reign  peace,  happiness  and 
contentment,    and   who  hath  so  signally  cared  for  and 


ISLAND   EXPERIENCES   CONTINUED.  361 

preserved  us  during  the  long  continued  period  of  our 
enforced  exile. 

''Our  fast  multiplying  flocks  provide  both  food  and 
clothing,  our  well  tilled  soil  produces  grain  and  vege- 
tables sufficient  for  sustenance,  while  fruits  are  especially 
abundant.  Thus  taking  it  all  in  all,  I  am  fain  to  believe 
there  is  not  a  more  thoroughly  happy,  prosperous  and 
contented  people  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  while 
others  may  possess  many  luxuries  of  which  we  are  de- 
prived, they  can  scarcely  realize  the  health-giving  prop- 
erties and  beauties  of  a  topical  climate. 

"  Again,  with  the  wealth  and  consequent  added  cares 
of  their  lives,  go  hand  in  hand  habits  of  indolence,  un- 
checked vice,  diseases,  misery  and  untimely  death,  all  of 
which  are  hardly  known  to  our  thriving,  energetic 
community. 

"The  commander  of  the  Starlight^  Captain  Hopkins, 
departed  this  life  some  ten  years  ago,  living  to  the  good 
old  age  of  ninety,  leaving  a  thrifty  and  numerous 
progeny. 

"  His  aged  wife,  Rebecca,  still  survives,  uetaining  her 
faculties  in  a  remarkable  degree,  proving  as  she  has  in 
many  respects  a  most  noble  woman  and  worthy  help- 
mate to  the  good  old  captain,  whose  memory  lingers  in 
the  hearts  of  the  whole  community. 

"  A  town  of  considerable  size  and  importance  has  grown 
up  on  the  site  originally  selected  for  our  island 
habitation. 

"1  have  at  all  times  endeavored  to  adhere  rigidly  to 
the  customs  and  habits  of  civilized  life,  well  knowing  that 
a  people  left  wholly  to  themselves,  having  no  intercourse 
with  their  fellows,  naturally  drift  away  to  illiteracy, 
until  at  length  they  fall  into  a  state  of  hopeless  bar- 
barism ;  proving  conclusively  that  nations  either  advance 
or  retrograde  in  the  scale  of  being ;  from  which  fact,  the 
continuous  upbuilding  and  progress  of  the  colony  has 
been  the  one  aim  and  chief  desire  of  my  heart. 

"  The  interesting  and  no  less  singular  history  of  this 
people,  as  recorded  by  the  original  settler  and  founder 


S62  CONTINUATION  OF  THE  NARRATIVE. 

of  the  colony,  Rev.  Jared  Sparks,  here  ends,  taken  up 
and  continued  by  his  eldest  son,  Ephraim.  Yet  that 
there  might  be  no  question  of  dispute  as  to  its  author- 
ship and  accuracy,  the  Rev.  Jared  has  hereunto  set  his 
name,  as  also  date  of  record,  as  witness. 

"I,  Jared  Sparks,  do  affirm  this  to  be  a  true  and  faith- 
ful record  of  the  various  events  of  my  life,  as  also  a 
history  of  the  original  settlement  of  the  island  and  its 
subsequent  career  down  to  the  close  of  the  seventeenth 
century. 

"Signed,  this  21st  day  of  November,  1699. 

"Jared  Sparks." 


CHAPTER  LII. 

CONTINUATION   OF   THE   NARRATIVE. 

AS  a  prelude  to  continuation  of  the  narrative,  Eph- 
raim Sparks  records  the  following  :  "  My  father, 
the  Rev.  Jared  Sparks,  departed  this  life  March  13th, 
1724,  aged  eighty-three  years.  My  mother,  Julia,  the 
year  following,  aged  seventy-seven.  Both  of  them  in 
connection  with  Captain  Hopkins  and  Rebecca  Wain- 
wright,  being  the  original  settlers  of  the  island  and 
founders  of  the  colony.  The  death  of  Captain  Hopkins 
antedates  that  of  my  father  eleven  years.  That  of  his 
wife  Rebecca  occurring  six  years  later. 

"  Shortly  after  my  father's  death,  I  succeeded  to  the 
governorship  of  the  colon}'',  numbering  at  that  time  two 
hundred  souls. 

"  In  the  year  1702,  a  child  was  born  to  the  eldest  son 
of  Captain  and  Rebecca  Hopkins,  who  married  my  sister 
in  1727. 

"This  child,  Josiah,  upon  reaching  manhood,  seemed 
to  possess  much  originality  of  thought  and  brilliancy  of 
conception,  his  mind  running  in  the  channel  of  invention, 
and  as  he  advanced  in  years,  his  faculties  expanded,  his 
inventive  perceptions  increasing  in  like  ratio,  until  the 


CONTINUATION   OF   THE   NARRATIVE.  36S 

year  1725,  he  being  at  this  time  twenty-three,  the 
idea  of  utilizing  the  wind  as  a  motive  power  occur- 
red to  him.  Having  brought  this  motor  to  perfection, 
he  constructed  mills  for  grinding  corn,  oats,  peas  and 
beans,  also  for  sawing  logs,  and  another  for  threshing 
and  cleaning  grain.  He  died  in  1751,  at  the  age  of  forty- 
nine,  bequeathing  to  his  family,  as  a  heritage,  the  fruits 
of  his  genius  in  the  various  forms  of  machinery  of  the 
greatest  utility  and  practical  benefit  to  the  commu- 
nity. 

•'  Three  years  later,  a  monument  was  erected  to  his 
memory.  At  his  death  he  left  a  son  fifteen  years  of  age, 
in  whom  was  ere  long  developed  even  greater  genius 
and  inventive  faculty  than  that  of  his  father. 

"  As  previously  remarked,  on  the  death  of  my  father, 
the  governorship  devolving  upon  me  in  regular  succes- 
sion, I  was  anxious  that  as  our  numbers  were  already  so 
large  and  rapidly  augumenting,  a  system  of  general 
laws  should  be  enacted  more  comprehensive  than  those 
then  in  force,  to  which  end,  I  chose  a  council  of  ten, 
whose  functions  were  to  arrange  the  several  members  of 
the  colony  into  sub-divisions,  a  certain  number  of 
families  to  each  division,  the  council  to  have  charge  of 
the  whole,  one  member  of  the  same  appointed  to  pre- 
side over  each  divison. 

"  The  cultivated  portion  of  the  island  was  also  to  be 
divided  into  equal  portions  or  tracts  of  one  hundred 
acres  each.  Thus  whenever  one  of  our  young  men 
attained  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  this  tract  was  set 
off  for  his  exclusive  use  and  the  ultimate  benefit  of  his 
family.  This  land  he  was  to  till,  implements  of  hus- 
bandry and  seed  being  supplied  him  from  the  general 
storehouse. 

"  Bach  division  of  families  being  under  direct  charge 
of  a  member  of  the  council ;  supposing  a  difference  of 
opinion  to  arise  among  its  members,  the  case  would  be 
taken  to  the  council  for  adjustment,  their  decision  sub- 
ject to  no  appeal  other  than  to  the  governor,  whose 
arbitrament  would  be  considered  final." 


364  CONTINUATION  OF  THE   NARRATIVE. 

"  These  simple  laws/'  said  Josliua,  "  comprise  our 
whole  system  of  government,  proving  in  every  instance 
adequate  to  our  needs  and  perfectly  satisfactory  to  the 
people.  On  the  occasion  of  our  walk  yesterday  you  asked 
me,  Herman,  why  it  was  considered  obligatory  on  the 
part  of  the  government  to  keep  a  body  of  troops  under 
arms  when  intercourse  with  any  other  nation  or  people 
was  impossible.  In  reply  to  a  very  natural  question,  I 
stated  that  the  reason  would  become  apparent  when 
learning  our  history.  I  now  come  to  an  explanatory 
paragraph  in  the  record  which  reads  thus : 

"  '  For  prudential  reasons,'  Ephraim  states,  'my  father 
acting  in  concert  with  his  friend.  Captain  Hopkins,  hav- 
ing become  convinced  that  their  future  was  to  be  spent 
on  the  island,  shortly  after  landing,  erected  a  small  fort- 
ress, or  as  it  was  styled  at  that  time,  block-house,  not 
knowing  at  what  hour  their  shores  might  be  invaded  by 
savage  foes.  In  fact,  it  was  simply  a  matter  of  con- 
jecture, whether,  even  then,  they  might  not  be  lurking  in 
ambush  in  the  surrounding  forest. 

"  That  this  was  a  wise  move  the  sequel  will  show." 

"  In  the  year  1785,  eleven  years  after  the  shipwreck, 
a  body  of  savages,  numbering  not  less  than  three  hun- 
dred, invaded  these  shores,  or  more  accurately  speaking, 
made  the  attempt. 

"  Chancing  to  spy  them  when  yet  a  long  distance  away, 
ample  time  was  given  to  make  adequate  preparations 
for  their  reception.  Meanwhile  the  cannons  mounted  at 
the  top  of  the  fortress  were  heavily  charged,  as  also 
were  the  twenty  muskets,  my  mother  and  Rebecca,  the 
wife  of  Captain  Hopkins,  lending  their  assistance.  I 
was  at  that  time  ten  years  of  age,  and  well  remember 
the  circumstences  of  an  affair  that  at  the  outset 
threatened  serious  consequences.  My  parents,  as  well  as 
the  captain  and  his  brave  wife,  were  calm  and  collected, 
their  manner  evidencing  little  fear,  yet  I  well  knew  that 
if  the  worst  came  to  the  worst,  they  would  sell  their 
lives  dearly  in  the  effort  to  protect  their  possessions  and 


CONTINUATION   OF   THE   NARRATIVE.  866 

families,  meantime  placing  full  confidence  in  the  Power 
which  had  thus  far  preserved  and  brought  them  through 
SO  many  dangers.  The  savages,  naked  to  the  waist, 
armed  with  long  shafted  spears  and  huge  knotted  clubs, 
were  gathered  on  immense  rafts,  designed  especially  for 
the  expedition.  They  made  tiie  air  resound  with  cries, 
whoops  and  fierce  yells,  and  as  we  were  well  aware  that 
should  the  natives  effect  a  landing,  nothing  could  save 
us  from  swift  destruction,  the  main  effort  then  was  put 
forth  in  keeping  them  well  off'  from  shore. 

"The  loDg,  pointed,  heavily  laden  craft,  propelled  by 
sweeps,  made  but  slow  headway,  now  and  again  striking 
against  a  projecting  rock,  by  which  many  were  thrown 
violently  into  the  sea,  but  being  used  to  the  water,  they 
quickly  gained  their  former  position.  Thus  more  than 
an  hour  passed  in  anxious  delay  aad  weary  expectancy, 
when  at  length  coming  within  range  of  the  heavy  guns, 
each  loaded  with  a  round  shot,  they  were  carefully 
sighted,  the  match  applied,  when  with  a  deafening  roar 
the  solid  balls  sped  on  their  way,  striking  the  foremost 
raft  squarely  in  tlie  centre  where  the  savages  were 
mainly  congregated.  I  could  not  tell  how  many  of  the 
heathens  were  slain  at  this  discharge.  However,  from 
appearances,  it  was  judged  not  less  than  a  score,  besides 
a  large  number  who  were  wounded  and  cast  into  the 
sea,  where  they  lay  struggling  and  helpless.  To  say  the 
least  the  scene  was  terrible,  and  I  am  quite  positive  no 
subsequent  experiences  were  to  my  mind  so  thrilling, 
for  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  I  had  never  before  heard 
the  roar  of  a  gun  in  combat,  or  one  discharged  with 
hostile  intent,  nor  witnessed  its  murderous  effects. 

"The  cannibal  chief  again  rallied  his  forces,  amid 
shouts  of  anger  and  brandished  spears,  when  they  were 
soon  under  way,  intent  solely  on  landing.  But  the  guns, 
heavily  shotted,  were  again  brought  to  bear  and  dis- 
charged, whereby  an  immense  number  were  slaughtered, 
the  leading  craft  shattered  and  sinking.  At  this  juncture, 
the  natives, evidently  beside  themselves  with  fright,imag- 
ining  supernatural  powers  were  lending  a  hand,  thus  giv- 


866  CONTINUATION   OF   THE   NARRATIVB. 

ing  powerful  aid  to  their  antagonists  in  launching 
thunderbolts  forged  in  the  spirit  world  into  their  midst, 
at  length  withdrew,  paddling  the  unwieldy  craft  away 
as  rapidly  as  possible.  So  in  the  space  of  a  couple  of 
hours  they  were  entirely  hidden  from  view  by  a  project- 
ing point  some  miles  distant.  Meanwhile,  my  mother 
and  Rebecca  were  busy  with  the  muskets,  though  on 
account  of  the  distance,  these  produced  little  effect,  other 
than  keeping  up  a  tremendous  roar,  serving  however  an 
admirable  purpose  in  making  the  savages  believe  thun- 
der and  lightning  were  playing  no  insignificant  part  in 
aid  of  their  antagonists." 

*'  Three  subsequent  attacks  have  been  made  since  the 
death  of  the  chronicler  of  these  events,"  said  Joshua, 
"  terminating  in  each  instance  disastrously  to  the  natives. 
Yet  from  its  suddenness,  one  attack  came  within  a  hair's 
breadth  of  seriouslj'-  crippling,  if  not  entirely  destroying 
the  fruits  of  many  years'  hard  labor.  In  fact  the  future 
prosperity  of  the  colony  for  a  time  wavered  in  the  balance, 
and  it  was  only  by  the  most  strenuous  efforts  and  bravery 
of  the  leaders  that  their  lives  were  saved,  for  the  savages 
had  not  only  reached  the  shores,  but  effected  a  partial 
landing  before  they  were  discovered,  yet  they  were 
finally  beaten  off.  This  was  their  last  appearance,  and 
now  the  town  being  so  well  fortified,  little  further  appre- 
hension need  be  felt  for  its  safety.  Thus,  friend  Herman, 
you  will  easily  perceive  the  necessity  of  keeping  our 
homes  and  possessions  well  guarded. 

"The  record  of  Ephraim  Sparks  here  closed,  contin- 
ued by  Nicholas  Sparks,  our  present  governor  and 
chronicler,  brought  down  to  the  first  of  the  present 
year.  My  father,  as  scribe,  has  the  documents  in  charge, 
adding  thereto  as  he  may  think  proper. 

"The  office  of  scribe  was  created  some  five  years 
since,  as  also  keeper  of  the  seals,  the  object  being  to  re- 
lieve the  governor,  (who  is  now  nearly  ninety  years  of 
age,)  from  duties  daily  becoming  more  onerous  on  ac- 
count of  the  largely  increased  population." 


INVENTIONS  OF  THE   COLONISTS.  86.7 


CHAPTER  LIII. 

INVENTIONS  OF  THE  COLONISTS. 

INTRODUCED  in  the  character  and  under  the  cogno- 
men, as  was  expressed,  of  "an  old  sea  dog,"  an  ap- 
pelation  always  pleasing  to  sailors,  the  captain  had,  in 
an  interview  with  the  governor,  related  his  adventures 
from  the  time  when  he  took  command  of  the  Black 
Eagle  to  the  present,  the  governor  manifesting  much 
interest  in  the  story.  As  no  one  of  the  colonists  had 
ever  before  set  eyes  on  a  civilized  being,  outside  of  their 
own  circumscribed  limits,  it  was  a  matter  of  extreme 
dif&culty  to  expel  from  their  minds  the  notion  that  these 
unheralded  strangers  were  not  from  a  world  differing 
from  their  own.  Yet  this  could  scarcely  be  wondered 
at,  when  taking  into  consideration  that  they  knew  of  no 
other,  save  from  tradition  and  the  meagre  outlines  of  a 
history  compiled  by  their  ancestors,  and  this  mainly 
relating  to  events  connected  with  the  original  settle- 
ment and  subsequent  affairs  of  the  island  community. 

That  both  Gamahil  and  Joshua  had  conceived  a  warm 
friendship  for  the  castaways  there  could  be  little  doubt, 
as  it  was  too  plainly  shown  in  look  and  manner  to  be 
disputed.  Disposed  to  show  them  all  the  attention  pos- 
sible, they  now  invited  them  to  call  upon  several  of  the 
leading  members  of  the  community,  when  they  would 
be  introduced  in  their  proper  character,  and  as  nothing 
could  be  more  desired,  they  readily  acquiesced  in  the 
proposition.  So  setting  out,  they  called  at  the  residences 
of  a  number  of  the  more  noted  citizens,  receiving  a  hearty 
welcome,  after  which  they  were  shown  the  principal  points 
of  interest,  notably  the  railroad,  which  engaged  their  at- 
tention to  the  exclusion  of  nearly  all  else,  proving  a  rare 


368  INVENTIONS   OF   THE   COLONISTS. 

auJ  novel  spectacle ;  for  here  were  well  built,  convenient 
cars,  propelled  by  the  action  of  the  wind  at  fair  speed. 

First  came  a  fiat  car,  thirty  feet  in  length,  from  the 
centre  rising  a  mast  twenty-five  feet  in  height,  to  which 
was  attaclied  a  yard  capable  of  sustaining  sail  of  aneuor 
mous  breadth.  In  front  and  near  the  end  of  the  car 
stood  a  wheel,  twelve  feet  in  diameter,  in  the  form  of  a 
cone,  the  apex  pointing  outward.  At  the  outer  edge 
of  the  circle,  wings  twenty-four  inches  in  width  were 
so  arranged  as  to  be  acted  upon  with  great  power,  caus- 
ing the  wheel  to  revolve  with  rapidity  and  force  ;  thus 
supposing  the  wind  ahead,  the  sail  was  lowered,  the 
wheel  alone  being  required.  On  the  other  hand,  when 
the  wind  came  from  the  rear  or  at  right  angles,  both  sail 
and  wheel  were  brought  into  play.  As  the  current  act- 
ing on  the  sail  forced  the  machine  ahead,  the  power 
generated  by  the  motion  was  in  ratio  to  the  speed,  thus 
producing  a  double  action,  capable,  as  Joshua  remarked, 
of  moving  cars  at  nearly  any  desired  rate  of  speed  ; 
tbirty  miles  an  hour,  with  -a  good  breeze,  being  nothing 
uncommon. 

"  You  will  readily  perceive,"  said  he,  "  we  have  an 
economical  and  speedy  means  of  transporting  the  pro- 
ducts of  the  soil  from  the  farms  to  the  storehouse,  at 
the  same  time  allowing  the  tillers  of  the  land  to  go 
back  and  forth  at  will  between  their  homes  and  the  out- 
lying districts,  while  excursions  for  hunting  are  frequent, 
game  being  plentiful  in  the  dense  forests  and  mountain 
ranges." 

Another  significant  fact  drawing  the  attention  of 
Herman  was  the  absence  of  buildings  of  whatsoever 
nature  outside  the  limits  of  the  town,  which  was 
explained  in  this  wise:  "You  see,"  said  Joshua,  "it  is 
considered  not  only  an  economical  measure,  but  more 
conducive  to  safety  that  there  be  no  outlying  settlement, 
as,  in  the  event  of  a  raid  by  the  savages,  those  people 
living  in  the  exposed  districts,  deprived  of  the  means  of 
defense,  would  be  placed  wholly  at  the  mercy  of  the  bar- 
barians, (and  for  a  truth,  we  well  know  what  that  means,) 


INVENTIONS  OF   THE  COLONISTS.  369 

while  those  sheltered  within  easy  rauge  of  the  fortress 
guns  are  fully  protected." 

"  Well,"  observed  Captain  Perkins,  "common  sense 
anyhow  is  not  lacking  among  your  people,  and  mj  candid 
opinion  is  that  many  of  the  older  communities  might 
here  be  taught  a  useful  lesson,  and  that  in  more  ways 
than  one. " 

"  Yes,  "  replied  Herman,  "  this  is  social  life  and  that 
to  a  degree  I  would  not  have  believed  possible. " 

Said  Joshua,  the  idea  of  an  attack  from  our  savage 
foes  having  been  broached,  "  I  will  here  remark  that 
while  it  has  been  many  years,  in  fact,  not  within  the 
life-time  of  any  of  our  present  inhabitants,  that  a  raid 
has  been  attempted,  yet  I  am  convinced  we  may  expect 
one  before  many  years,  possibly  months;  and  when  it 
does  take  place,  it  will  be  with  a  larger  and  more  pow- 
erful force  than  ever  before. " 

"Let  em  come,"  shouted  the  captain,  "  I'd  like  noth- 
ing better  than  a  brush  with  the  measly,  copper-toed, 
(colored,  I  should  have  said)  missionary-eating  cannibals, 
the  worthless  cusses. " 

The  bold,  outspoken  captain's'  desires  were  to  be 
granted  and  Joshua's  prophecy  fulfilled  sooner  than 
either  anticipated,  and  in  such  a  manner  as  not  only  to 
lead  to  a  "  brush,  "  but  a  hand-to-hand  tussle  as  well, 
attended  also  by  loss  of  life. 

The  mills  for  grinding  grain  were  next  visited,  also 
those  for  sawing  logs,  manufacturing  woolen  and  tow 
fabrics,  for  casting  cannon,  smelting  ores,  threshing 
grain  and  brick  making. 

"  Well,"  ejaculated  the  captain,  the  principal  points  of 
interest  having  been  thoroughly  scanned  and  as  they 
were  about  to  turn  homeward,  "I'll  be  hanged  if  what 
we've  seen  to-day  don't  go  to  show  the  spirit  of  inven- 
tion abroad  in  the  world,  go  wherever  you  will,  con- 
fined to  no  country  or  people.  " 

"  Aye,  sown  broadcast,  so  to  speak,"  interrupted 
Herman.  Then  continuing,  "We  find  here  a  people  as 
completely  isolated  as  though  inhabiting  the  moon,  yet 
23 


870  INVENTIONS   OF   THE    COLONISTS. 

in  possession  of  many  inventions  and  improvements  of 
our  own  land.  Let  me  ask,  in  all  sincerity,  by  what 
method  of  reasoning  shall  we  account  for  it?  How  solve 
the  mystery?  Does  the  source  of  this  inventive  spirit 
emanate  from  a  higher  power,  or  wherein  does  it  lie  ?  " 

"  Possibly  from  the  air  we  breathe,  "  suggested  the 
Captain.  "  Yet,  "  he  continued,  turning  to  the  scribe, 
"with  all  your  inventions,  improvements  and  what  not, 
I  observe  no  signs  of  shipping — a  principal  factor  in  the 
growth  and  prosperity  of  all  nations — not  even  a  sail  or 
row  boat  have  I  yet  seen.  May  I  inquire  the  reason  for 
this,  Gamahil?" 

"  Certainly,  "  anwered  the  scribe.  "  You  see  it's  like 
this:  while  our  domain  is  of  comparatively  large  extent, 
yet  its  shores  are  entirely  surrounded  by  coral  reefs, 
many  sunken,  'tis  true,  while  others  approach  the  surface. 
The  only  point  as  yet  discovered  that  can  in  the  least  be 
approached  is  the  one  where  you  landed,  and  that  only 
by  a  craft  similar  to  yours  or  those  of  the  natives. 
Plerein  lies  our  safety.  For  if  it  were  possible  to  efiE'ect 
a  landing  at  any  other  part  of  the  shore,  the  savages 
could  then  take  us  in  the  rear,  laying  our  unprotected 
districts  waste,  destroy  our  prosperous  town,  slaughter- 
ing the  inhabitants,  or  what  were  deemed  infinitely 
worse,  taking  us  into  hopeless  captivity.  For  tliis  rea- 
son the  fortress  was  erected  on  the  summit  of  the  hill, 
our  guns  commanding  the  only  point  of  landing. 

"Keturning  to  the  question  of  navigation,  I  would 
mention  that  in  the  early  days  of  settlement,  as  our 
records  inform  us,  a  vessel  of  several  tons  burden  was 
constructed,  launched,  and  on  the  trial  trip  wrecked,  its 
occu])ants  narrowly  escaping  drowning.  At  another 
time,  a  craft  of  less  dimensions,  propelled  by  oars,  was 
launched  with  equally  disastrous  results.  Subsequent 
efforts  have  been  put  forth  from  time  to  time,  all  ending 
in  total  failure.  " 

"  From  all  of  which  it  would  seem,  "  observed  Her- 
man, "  the  prospect  of  again  setting  foot  on  Caesar's  beau- 
tiful island  is  exceedingly  slim,  and  while  the  past  five 


INVENTIONS   OF   THE   COLONISTS.  371 

years  have  been  full  of  mysterious  events,  this  may  well 
be  conceived  none  the  less  so.  " 

After  having  visited  the  principal  buildings  devoted 
to  manufacturing,  our  friends  next  turned  their  steps 
toward  the  tabernacle,  the  residence  of  the  governor, 
where  were  also  located  the  government  offices.  This,  the 
most  notable  structure  of  the  town,  was  a  building  of 
brick,  two  stories  in  height,  the  inner  walls  ornamented 
with  stucco,  the  floors  laid  in  a  species  of  hard  wood 
susceptible  of  a  high  polish,  thus  presenting  a  smooth 
and  shining  surface,  while  the  furnishings,  though  plain, 
were  neat  in  appearance.  After  indulging  in  a  half 
hours'  conversation  relating  mainly  to  general  affairs  of 
the  community,  the  governor  at  length  remarked : 

"  Our  people,  as  ye  are  doubtless  aware,  are  not  only 
anxious  but  getting  impatient  to  become  acquainted 
with  ye,  as  ye  are  objects  of  general  interest  in  ye  eyes 
of  those  who  have  never  before  beheld  strangers.  I 
would,  then,  if  so  be  ye  are  agreed,  suggest  ye  propriety 
of  calling  them  together  on  ye  morrow,  in  ye  latter 
part  of  ye  day,  at  ye  public  square,  at  which  time  and 
place  ye  may  speak  to  them  as  it  so  pleaseth  ye  touch- 
ing a  world  of  which  ye  do  say  so  much  and  about  which 
they  know  so  little.  " 

So  it  came  to  pass  on  the  following  afternoon  at  the 
hour  of  three,  the  grounds  surrounding  the  tabernacle 
witnessed  an  excited,  eager  populace  assembled  to  give 
greeting  and  welcome  to  the  strangers  who  had  so  en- 
tirely engrossed  their  thoughts  during  the  past  two  days. 
The  captain  and  Herman  were  thereupon  introduced 
by  the  governor  and  made  speeches  in  turn,  explaining 
fully  their  presence  on  the  island,  and  giving  a  brief  his- 
tory of  their  country  since  the  emigration  of  the 
colonists.  Then,  after  some  religious  services,  the  as- 
semblage broke  up,  satisfied  with  the  strangers'  account 
of  themselves,  while  our  friends  returned  to  the  house 
of  the  scribe.  Strolling  down  the  street  on  the  day  suc- 
ceeding the  eventful  gathering  at  the  public  square, 
Herman,  thinking  no  better  opportunity  would  present 


872  INVENTIONS   OF   THE   COLONISTS. 

itself,  determined  to  call  on  the  noted  inventor ;  so  mak- 
ing his  way  to  the  establishment  where  he  was  usually 
to  be  foand,  he  encountered  that  worthy  immediately  on 
crossing  the  threshold.  The  customary  greeting  passed, 
Herman  was  cordially  invited  to  enter,  when  he  noticed 
plans  in  progress  looking  toward  superseding  the  present 
wooden  by  iron  rails  on  the  railroad  track. 

The  young  stranger  at  once  proceeded  to  explain  to  his 
attentive  listener  the  steam  engine,  its  simple  form  of  con- 
struction and  mode  of  working  as  adapted  to  propelling 
railroad  cars,  as  also  the  various  kinds  of  machinery 
in  general  use  throughout  the  civilized  world.  He 
told  the  inventor  of  the  original  discovery  of  this  won- 
derful motive  power,  none  other,  he  averred,  than  the 
lifting  of  a  tea  kettle  lid  by  the  expansion  of  the  steam' 
generated  by  the  boiling  water  within,  all  of  which  was 
of  coarse  hitherto  unknown  to  the  island  genius. 

Again  the  air  ship,  commonly  knovv'n  as  the  balloon, 
or  a  method  of  navigating  the  air,  was  explained,  among 
many  other  remarkable  inventions  suggesting,  as  Herman 
added,  "  a  possibility  of  reaching  the  outer  world." 

Both  the  captain  and  Herman  now  went  to  work  with  a 
will,  the  former  suggesting  various  agricultural  imple- 
ments, acquired,  however,  mainly  from  observation,  as  he 
liad  little  practical  knowledge  concerning  these  affairs. 
Meantime  Herman  organized  a  school,  attended  by  chil- 
dren of  all  ages,  the  older  ones,  together  with  the  no  less 
interested  parents,  willing  to  avail  themselves  of  an 
opportunity  to  learn  things  both  new  and  strange. 

A  printing  press  also  became  at  this  time  a  subject  of 
serious  thought,  it  being  agreed  this  would  be  one  of  the 
first  improvements  undertaken,  as  it  was  conceded  on 
all  hands  to  be  the  most  important.  Again,  the  manu- 
facture of  glass  was  attempted,  followed  by  fair  results, 
the  component  parts  being  found  in  the  outlying  hilly 
districts. 


THE  NEW  LAWS  ENACTED.  873 


CHAPTER  LIV. 

THIi  NEW  LAWS  ENACTED. 

MORE  than  four  years  have  now  elapsed  since  Cap- 
tain Perkins  and  his  associates  sailed  on  the  war 
ship  Black  Eagle,  and  what  lives  of  adventure  have 
been  theirs  1  Taking  an  active  part  against  the  govern- 
ment vessel  sent  out  in  pursuit  of  an  alleged  criminal, 
followed  by  the  declaration  that  they  would  not  serve 
under  the  Confederate  flag;  imprisonment,  succeeded  by 
nearly  four  years'  residence  on  a  hitherto  unknown,  un- 
inhabited island  ;  the  voyage  of  adventure  ending  in  the 
discovery  of  a  new  world  peopled  by  more  than  one 
thousand  souls  in  a  comparatively  high  state  of  civiliza- 
tion ;  and  now  the  prospect  of  an  indefinate,  possibly  a  life 
long  existence  on  these  remote  shores  confronted  our 
friends  with  serious  forebodings,  mainly  however  as  re- 
garded their  far  away  families.  But  for  this,  they  would 
have  felt  a  measurable  degree  of  content.  Therefore 
under  these  conditions,  it  will  be  readily  seen  activity  and 
labor  must  necessarily  become  their  only  recourse,  a 
panacea  for  the  ills  of  both  body  and  mind. 

At  this  juncture,  the  young  schoolmaster  began  to  be 
looked  upon  by  many  of  the  more  conservative  as  a  mis- 
guided, some  affirmed,  a  misleading  person — a  necro- 
mancer possibly,  in  league  with  the  Devil.  Ashe  taught 
things  of  an  astounding  nature,  to  which  they  could  not, 
neither  would,  give  credence,  their  superstitions  naturally 
led  them  to  this  belief.  When  he  came  to  tell  them  of 
the  rotation  of  the  earth  in  conjunction  with  its  annual 
flight  around  the  sun  ;  the  immensity  of  space  ;  the  great, 
yea,  inconceivable  distance  of  the  sun  and  planets  from 
the  earth  ;  their  enormous  size  as  compared  with  our  in- 
significant globe  ;  the  probability  of  their  being  inhabited 


374  THE  NEW   LAWS   ENACTED. 

by  people  like  tkemselves,  they  at  once  began  question- 
ing his  authority  for  making  such  outrageous  statements. 

As  previously  mentioned,  the  Bible  was  the  only 
printed  work  secured  from  the  wrecked  Starlujht ;  in 
fact,  at  that  remote  period  but  few  books  were  published 
especially  those  of  astronomy,  touching  on  the  heavenly 
bodies ;  geology,  showing  the  probable  age  of  the  earth, 
together  within  other  scientific  treatises  common  to  our 
time.  Ideas  concerning  the  date  of  creation  were  there- 
fore founded  on  the  vague,  uncertain  conclusions  of 
scriptural  writers,  hence  theories  and  teachings  antago- 
nistic to  those  statements  must  necessarily  be  considered 
as  false. 

Our  island  community  was  in  a  condition  analogous 
to  the  people  of  preceding  ages,  with  this  difference,  that 
whereas  these  had  no  means  of  obtaining  information, 
save  from  the  teachings  of  nature  and  the  revelations  of 
the  Bible,  the  ancients  were,  or  could  have  been,  enlight- 
ened by  the  former  theories  of  scientific  men,  necessarily 
limited,  yet  of  the  utmost  value.  There  was  then  grow- 
ing up  in  the  community  a  realization  of  this  fact  that 
possibly  their  preconceived  notions  might  ere  long  be 
overthrown,  in  which  event  the  sacred  word  of  God  as 
regarded  these  affairs  become  not  only  a  question  of  con- 
troversy and  dispute,  but  also  capable  of  sowing  the  seeds 
of  disbelief  ending  in  discord,  therein  endangering  the  har- 
mony heretofore  prevailing,  a  condition  of  aft'airs  which, 
the  governor  averred,  could  not  for  a  moment  be  allowed. 

Gamaliel,  the  scribe,  as  also  his  son  Joshua,  in  thorough 
accord  with  all  the  young  stranger  had  said  regarding 
these  most  important  discoveries  of  the  age,  naturally 
took  his  part  in  the  controversy,  and,  from  being  citi- 
zens of  influence,  became  ere  long  the  nucleus  of  a  party 
antagonistic  to  previous  notions  and  ideas. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  governor,  discerning  that 
which  might  prove  and  be  accepted  as  a  new  element  ar- 
rayed in  opposition  to  the  Bible,  tlius  tending  to  over- 
throw the  system  of  heredity  in  the  governorship,  at 
once  authorized  measures  to  be  taken  in  defiance  of  the 


THE   NEW   LAWS   ENACTED.  375 

strange  doctrines  sought  to  be  thrust  upon  the  commu- 
nity. From  this  there  loomed  up  and  continued  to  thrive 
in  the  minds  of  the  now  unhappy  people,  a  source  of 
disquiet,  possibly  danger.  The  governor,  becoming 
hourly  more  and  more  alarmed  upon  witnessing  the 
growing  popularity  of  the  strangers,  called  in  extra  ses- 
sion the  council  of  ten,  who  assembled  at  the  taber- 
nacle. The  case  was  stated  and  at  the  same  time  he 
desired  each  member's  candid  opinion  regarding  the  un- 
settled condition  of  affairs,  as  also  the  course  they  in- 
tended pursuing  in  relation  to  the  unhappy  controversy. 

Upon  the  question  being  so  fairly  put,  eacli  and  all 
expressed  an  honest  conviction  that  they  would  in  any 
event  stand  by  His  Honor  in  whatever  measures  he 
might  choose  to  adopt,  looking  to  the  well  being  and 
safety  of  the  better-meaning  portion  of  the  community, 
particular  stress  being  placed  upon  the  latter  clause  of 
the  sentence. 

In  explanation  of  the  situation,  the  governor  urged 
that  their  ancestors,  to  the  most  remote  generations, 
had  not  only  founded,  but  adopted  equitable  laws  for  the 
colony  in  its  incipient  state,  and  that  those  laws  were 
founded  on  precepts  inculcated  by  the  Bible,  which 
must,  in  any  event,  be  considered  just,  and  as  they  had 
ever  been  found  to  meet  their  wants  and  conditions, 
what  more,  he  urged,  could  be  desired.  Such  then  be- 
ing the  case,  why  accept  new  theories  destined  in  the 
end  to  revolutionize  and  possible  overthrow  all  precon- 
ceived ideas  and  forms  of  a  governing  power  heretofore 
proven  adequate  to  meet  all  emergencies? 

"Our  people,  as  ye  all  know,'' continued  he,  "have 
been  happy  and  contented  under  these  laws.  Why  seek 
to  controvert  them  by  theories  antagonistic  to  Bible 
teachings?  Scientific  they  may  be,  yet  not  sacred. 
However,  as  we  have  never  had  occasion  for  ordinances 
touching  a  case  of  this  nature,  I  would  suggest  to  ye 
honorable  council  the  desirability  of  framing  a  law  cov- 
ering the  matter." 

So   it  came  about  that  the  following  ordinance  was 


376  THE   NEW  LAWS   ENACTED. 

enacted,  wbicli  thereupon  being  signed  by  tiie  governor 
took  immediate  efi'ect  : — 

"  Be  it  hereby  enacted  by  ye  council  of  ten,  sitting  in 
solemn  conclave  on  this  13th  day  of  August,  in  ye  year 
of  our  Lord,  1865  : 

"  That  any  person  or  persons,  native  or  foreign  born, 
who  shall  at  this  or  any  future  time,  introduce  into  this 
law-abiding  community  or  other  portion  of  our  do- 
mains, any  unlawful  act  tending  to  sedition,  or  in  any 
manner  whatsoever  affecting  the  well-being  of  ye  peo- 
ple ;  any  act  of  heresy,  thereby  setting  up  in  oppo- 
sition to  ye  teachings  of  ye  Holy  Bible,  shall  on  con- 
viction of  ye  same,  receive  ye  admonition  of  ye  gov- 
ernor; on  a  second  offense  of  like  character,  imprison- 
ment  for  ye  term  of  one  year  from  ye  date  of  convic- 
tion thereof;  for  ye  third  and  final  disobedience  of  ye 
laws,  shall  receive  ye  punishment  of  death." 

The  above  ordinance,  sanctioned  and  signed  by  the 
governor,  was,  as  before  stated,  to  take  immediate  effect, 
and  measures  were  inaugurated  to  put  it  in  force  when- 
ever occasion  should  demand,  evidently  now  not  far  distant. 

The  people  were  again  commanded  to  assemble  at 
the  tabernacle,  when  the  new  law  was  proclaimed,  ac- 
companied by  the  solemn  injunction  : 

"  Obey  ye  it  not,  at  your  peril  i " 

The  following  day,  Gamahil,  as  acknowledged  leader 
of  the  opposition,  called  together  his  adherents,  when 
they  were  addressed  by  the  young  stranger,  after  which 
Gamahil  said : 

"  Citizens,  ye  have  heard  what  our  learned  friend 
hath  spoken.  His  words  bear  to  my  mind  ye  impress  of 
ye  truth  and  sound  reason.  Shall  we  then,  I  ask,  ac- 
cept these  teachings,  following  them  in  ye  right  spirit, 
thus  sustaining  him  in  efforts  tending  to  enlighten  our 
understanding?  Now  as  many  of  ye  as  are  in  favor 
of  ye  liberal  policy,  please  to  raise  ye  right  hand,"  and 
as  fully   two-thirds  of  the   populace  did  as  requested, 


THE   NEW   LAWS   ENACTED.  377 

thus  signifying  assent,  the  scribe  made  no  hesitation  iu 
proclaiming  a  favorable  result. 

Meantime,  the  governor,  believing  the  welfare  of  the 
community  at  stake,  in  that  if  the  majority  were  per- 
mitted to  organize  in  opposition  to  his  rule,  the  present 
government  would  be  thereby  overthrown,  quickly  fol- 
lowed by  a  general  upheaval,  the  system  of  heredity 
come  to  an  inglorious  termination,  immediately  issued  a 
proclamation  calling  on  all  citizens  who  had  at  heart 
the  weal  of  the  people  to  organize  in  defence  of  his 
rights  and  their  welfare,  thus  sustaining  a  system  of  laws 
instituted  and  handed  down  by  their  forefathers. 

The  opposition,  taking  advantage  of  the  large  num- 
bers gathered  about  the  standard  of  Gamahil,  thoroughly 
united  and  harmonious  in  action,  resolved  to  sustain  their 
leader  in  whatever  measure  he  might  deem  it  expedient 
to  adopt. 

At  this  juncture  the  governor  ordered  out  a  file  of 
soldiers,  directing  them  to  proceed  at  once  to  the  scribe's 
residence,  then  and  there  to  arrest  the  stirrer  up  of  strife, 
the  promulgator,  as  he  averred,  of  sedition,  and  bring 
him  before  the  council  for  admonition.  Yet,  like  many 
another,  he  had  reckoned  without  his  host,  for  upon  ar- 
riving at  the  scene  of  operations,  the  house  was  found 
thoroughly  guarded,  every  avenue  of  approach  sur- 
rounded by  Gamahil's  adherents,  who,  upon  demand, 
utterly  refused  to  deliver  up  the  accused,  jeering  at 
those  whom  they  termed  government  hirelings. 

The  sergeant  at  once  gave  the  order,  "  Seize  the 
culprits,"  but  he  too  found  himself  all  at  sea  regarding 
his  calculations,  for  his  antagonists  rallied  at  the  word 
of  command,  when  a  conflict  ensued,  the  government 
troops  being  utterly  routed,  fleeing  from  the  field  in 
the  greatest  disorder. 

The  governor,  notwithstanding  his  great  age,  was 
still  a  man  of  considerable  energy,  placing  no  little  re- 
liance upon  supernatural  power;  more  perhaps,  than 
upon  carnal  weapons.  Upon  word  being  brought  tell- 
ing of  the  discomfiture  of  his  forces,  he  immediately  dis- 


378   QSNERAL   DUKE   STEELE   AS   FOREIGN   MINISTER. 

patched  couriers  throughout  the  town,  requesting  a 
general  turnout  on  the  same  evening,  gathering  at  the 
tabernacle,  when  a  season  of  prayer  would  take  place,  to 
be  at  once  followed  by  arming  the  whole  people.  In 
other  words  they  were  to  hold  the  Bible  in  one  hand., 
and  musket  in  the  other,  not  unlike  scenes  of  previous 
centuries,  with  the  difference,  the  musket  substituted  for 
torch,  rack  and  thumb-screw. 

The  opposing  forces  thoroughly  organized  and  equip- 
ped so  far  at  least  as  their  limited  means  allowed,  an 
internecine  war  now  seemed  inevitable. 

One  of  the  first  acts  of  the  scribe  was  to  seize  and 
gain  possession  of  the  fortress,  which,  together  with  its 
armament  of  heavy  guns,  would  enable  him  to  command 
the  town,  and  as  large  supplies  of  ammunition  had  pre- 
viously been  stored  in  the  magazines,  the  scribe's  party 
might  well  be  considered  formidable  antagonists. 
However,  the  government  oflScials  were  by  no  means 
idle  spectators,  for  the  great  inventor  was  now  busily  en- 
gaged in  casting  guns  and  round  shot;  others  in  the 
manufacture  of  powder  or  moulding  bullets  for  the  small 
arms.  Tlie  work  was  carried  on  at  the  foundries  still  in 
possession  of  the  government  faction,  a  large  force  of 
skilled  workmen  being  there  employed. 

Affairs  it  may  well  be  conceived,  were  now  for  the 
first  time  in  the  colony's  history  assuming  a  serious,  nay, 
dreaded  aspect;  the  outlook  threatening,  the  thought 
arising  in  many  a  troubled  heart,  "  What  shall  be  the 
outcome." 


CHAPTER  LV. 

GENERAL  DUKE  STEELE   AS  FOREIGN  MINISTER. 

THREE  years  have  now  elapsed,  carrying  us  down 
to  1868.  General  Duke  Steele  meanwhile,  at  the 
home  of  the  late  Thomas  Baxter,  in  a  large  mensuie 
recovered  from  the  effect  of  the  cruelties  inflicted  upon 


GENERAL  DUKE   STEELE   AS   FOREIGN   MINISTER.   879 

him  at  the  bauds  of  the  outlaw  gaog,  under  instructions 
from  Lieutenant  Cyril  Blancliard,  had  some  two  years 
previous  united  his  fortunes  with  his  old  love,  Nelly, 
though  it  must  be  owned  that  the  fortune  was  largely  on 
her  side.  Anyhow  they  were  duly  married  and  were 
now  living  at  the  old  plantation  home  inherited  from 
Nelly's  father. 

Meanwhile  the  rebellion  had  terminated  most  un- 
happilj^  for  its  promoters,  but  correspondingly  happy  for 
its  opponents,  the  institution  of  slavery  being  now  a 
memory  only. 

Tlie  negroes  formerly  belonging  to  the  Baxter  estate, 
scattered  throughout  the  North  during  the  war,  have 
returned  to  their  well  beloved  home  on  the  banks  of 
the  Rappahannock. 

Meantime  the  Presidency  of  the  United  States  has 
been  assumed  by  General  Grant,  this  occurring  on  the 
fourth  day  of  the  preceding  March.  The  incumbent 
having  been  the  main  factor  in  successfully  terminating 
the  war  of  the  rebellion,  his  fame  and  acknowledged 
worth  fill  not  only  tlie  hearts  of  his  countrymen  with 
grateful  emotions,  but  also  the  entire  civilized  world,  for 
he  has  accomplished  that  which  heretofore  had  been 
deemed  an  impossibility,  hence  he  was  almost  unani- 
mously elected  to  the  highest  office  in  the  gift  of  the  people. 

Meanwhile  General  Duke  Steele,  having  been  an  effi- 
cient leader  in  the  Confederate  service,  now  that  the 
strife  was  ended,  generously  gave  adherence  to  the 
Federal  Government.  The  president's  attention  directed 
to  this  fact,  he  fully  recognized  the  general's  worth  and 
ability,  and  upon  the  earnest  solicitation  of  fi'iends,  nom- 
nominated  him  for  an  exhalted position:  nona other  than 
that  of  minister  to  a  foreign  court. 

Bessie  Perkins,  still  residing  with  her  aunt  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  has  deeply  mourned  and  grieved  for  the 
loss  of  father  and  lover,  though  it  might  be  difficult  to  tell 
for  which  of  the  two  she  grieved  the  most.  While  the 
recipient  of  fortune's  favors  in  the  form  of  numberless 
gallant  lovers,  accomiianied  by  offers   of  marriage,  slie 


880  GENERAL   DUKE   STEELE   AS   FOREIGN   MINISTER. 

still  remained  true  to  her  old  love,  as  she  scarcely  for  a 
moment  doubted  his  return,  though  the  hoped  for,  longed 
for,  prayed  for  event  was  being  long  delayed.  In  fact  Bessie 
had  good  ground  for  her  hope.  She  had  been  able  to 
trace  Nelly's  home  through  Herman's  descriptions,  and 
had  written  to  her  for  information  of  her  lover.  In 
answer,  she  had  learned  the  supposed  fate  of  her  father 
and  his  companions  as  communicated  to  'Nelly  by  Carrie 
Foster. 

One  morning  Bessie  awaiting  the  summons  to  break- 
fast, the  Daily  Journal  was  thrown  into  the  hall.  Pick- 
ing it  up  and  hastily  glancing  along  the  well  filled  col- 
umns, her  eye  chanced  to  light  on  the  following  para- 
graph : 

"  We  are  pleased  to  make  mention  of  the  fact  that 
General  Duke  Steele,  late  of  the  Confederate  army,  has 
been  appointed  by  the  president  minister  to  one  of  the 
South  American  States. 

Taking  but  a  moment  to  digest  the  above  fact,  Bessie 
bounding  from  her  seat  hastened  to  her  aunt's  presence, 
her  step  light,  eyes  sparkling,  every  lineament  of  her 
winsome  face  aglow  with  pleasing  emotions,  exclaiming 
in  joyous  tones:  "Oh  auntie,  see  here,  General  Duke 
Steele,  late  an  officer  of  the  Confederate  army,  as  this 
article  states,  has  been  appointed  by  President  Grant  to  a 
foreign  mission,  whatever  that  may  mean,  away  oft'  some- 
where in  South  America.  Auntie,  I'm  just  dying  to  go 
and  will,  so  there.     I'm  sure  I'll  find  papa  and  Herman." 

"  Why,  you  silly  child,"  remonstrated  her  aunt,  "  the 
ship  in  which  General  Steele  sails  will  not  go  within  a 
thousand  miles  of  the  island  in  question." 

"  Oh  fie,  auntie,  I  did  not  think  it  possible  for  you  to 
tell  a  fib,  yet  you've  convicted  yourself  of  that  enor- 
mity in  the. two  words  'child'  and  'silly,' for  as  you  must 
know  I'm  twenty-three,  if  a  day,  and  as  to  being  silly, 
why  I  am  directly  the  opposite,  which  means  wise,  don't 
it,  auntie  ?  " 


GENERAL   DUKE   STEELE   A3   FOREIGN    MINISTER.    381 

"  Wise  as  a  serpent,  as  the  good  book  sajs,  though 
this  couldn't  have  referred  to  the  one  that  beguiled  our 
mother  Eve,  for  he  was  forever  getting  some  one  into  a 
scrape.  But  I  don't  care  for  that,  as  something,  may  be 
the  spirits,  whisper  in  my  ear  '  Bessie  you'll  be  success- 
ful, go  ahead,'  and  that's  just  what  I'll  do  ;  nothing  more 
or  less,  than  write  this  very  day  begging  the  general  to 
tell  me  from  what  port  he  sails,  when  the  important 
event  takes  place,  and  if  I  may  go  with  him." 

Relieving  herself  somewhat  from  the  weighty  matter, 
Bessie  sat  down  to  her  breakfast,  eating  but  little,  how- 
ever, as  her  overjoyed  feelings  seemed  to  have  quite 
taken  away  her  appetite.  Soon  thereafter  rising  from 
the  table,  she  hastened  to  her  room,  gathering  together 
writing  material,  and  penned  one  of  her  characteristic 
epistles. 

The  general,  arriving  at  his  home  from  the  little  vil- 
lage of  Oxford,  hurried  to  the  hall  of  his  residence 
where  he  found  Nelly  awaiting  him. 

"Nelly  dear,"  he  said,  "here's  a  letter  I've  just 
received  from  New  York.  Read  it  and  tell  me  what 
you  think  of  it,"  which  Nelly  immediately  did. 

"  Oh,  Duke,  won't  that  be  glorious  !  "  exclaimed  the 
enthusiastic  Nelly,  upon  finishing  the  letter.  "  Bessie  is 
a  lovely  girl,  I  know  by  the  way  she  writes,  and  then, 
too,  she  loves  my  dear  brother.  That  will  be  jolly. 
Yes,  let  her  go  with  us." 

"  Why,  of  course,"  answered  Duke,  "  only  I'm  afraid." 

"  Afraid  of  what?  "  quoth  Nelly. 

"  Why  you  know,  you  foolish  girl,  you  might  get. 
that  is  to  say,  jealous." 

"  Fiddlesticks  !  Jealous  !  Why,  I've  a  good  mind,  as 
Mammy  Cloe  used  to  say  to  Eph,  '  to  pull  yo  years.' 
Here's  pen,  ink  and  paper.  So  sit  right  down  and 
answer  Bessie's  letter — or  stay,  shall  I  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Duke,  "  that  will  be  the  better  way, 
probably  save  trouble  in  the  long  run." 

"  Doubtless,"  said  Nelly,  a  trifle  sarcastic,  "  but  you 
best  go  about  your  business  while  I  collect  my  thoughts, 


382  PREPARING   FOR   THE   VOYAGE. 

as  you  great  men  say.  There!  That  will  do.  No  more 
kisses  just  now.  I've  more  important  business  on  hand," 
continued  Nelly,  then  taking  a  seat  at  the  desk,  she 
wrote  a  favorable  answer  to  Bessie's  letter. 


44 


CHAPTER  LVI. 

PREPARING  FOR  THE  VOYAGE. 

A    UNTZ,  this  is  just  too  lovely  for  anything  I 


exclaimed  the  everjoyed  Bessie,  who  having 

received  and  read  Nelly's  answer,  handed  it  to  her  aunt, 
with  the  remark:  "  I  must  pitch  in  and  get  ready.  Let's 
see.  This  is  the  12th.  The  Good  Hope  sails  on  the  16th. 
Just  four  days  in  which  to  prepare  for  a  journey,  lasting 
for  aught  I  know,  a  half  year.  Hip,  hip,  hurrah ! 
Auntie,  I'm  off',''  broke  from  the  lips  of  the  high  spirited 
young  lady  in  no  constrained  tones,  as  she  danced  about 
the  room  in  great  glee  until  nearly  exhausted  in  the 
effort  to  work  off  an  extra  exuberance  of  spirits. 

Then  gradually  calming  down,  she  pitched  in  with 
such  unwonted  zeal  that  the  evening  of  the  15th  found 
her  trunks  packed,  and  still  more  to  the  purpose,  well 
strapped,  in  readiness  for  the  morrow's  departure. 

On  the  following  morning,  shortly  after  breakfast,  a 
neat  little  feminine  note  was  handed  her  by  a  messenger 
bo}'-,  dispatched  from  the  Fifth  Avenue  Hotel,  which  read : 

"  Bessie,  here  we  are.     Just  arrived.    Run  over. 

"Nelly." 

And  run  over  she  did,  in  such  haste,  that  very  soon 
she  found  herself  clasped  in  the  loving  embrace  of  her 
prospective  sister-in-law. 

The  ladies  now  meeting  for  the  first  time,  it  is  need- 
less to  say,  were  mutually  attracted,  from  which  fact 
they  fell  as  deeply  in  love  as  it  is  ever  possible  for  those 


PREPARING   FOR   THE   VOYAGE.  383 

of  the  like  sex  to  do,  causing  Nelly  to  say  to  lier  lius- 
band — Bessie  meantime  returning  to  her  home  with  the 
injunction  to  be  in  readiness,  as  a  carriage  would  call  for 
her  at  an  early  hour  of  the  afternoon — "  I  don't  blame 
brother  Herman  one  bit  for  falling  in  love  with  the  dear 
girl,  for  I  don't  see  how  he  could  have  helped  it." 

Precisely  at  the  moment  the  hand  of  the  clock  pointed 
to  the  hour  of  four,  a  hack  approached  the  residence  of 
Bessie's  aunt.  After  a  tearful  farewell,  the  tears  mostly 
on  the  part  of  the  aunt,  for  Bessie  was  in  too  high 
spirits  to  show  signs  of  deep  grief,  she  ere  long  found 
herself  ascending  to  the  deck  of  the  ship  destined  to 
bear  her  to  unknown  seas  and  foreign  climes  ;  the  honor- 
able minister  of  foreign  affairs,  with  Nelly  by  his  side, 
in  waiting  to  give  the  maiden  a  hearty  welcome.  The 
ship's  bell  clanged  in  solemn  warning  for  those  who  do 
not  sail  to  step  on  shore  while  those  of  the  passengers 
who  yet  linger,  bidding  friends  and  relatives  a  last  I'are- 
well,  are  admonished  to  hasten  on  board.  Anon  the 
broad  bladed  wheel  at  the  stern  set  in  motion,  turning  to 
the  measured  strokes  of  the  engines'  piston,  gradually 
increases  in  speed.  The  great  ship  propelled  thereby 
causes  high  rolling  waves,  which  washing  alongside,  pro- 
claim in  unmistakable  terms  that  they  are  off  and  away. 
Thirty  days  had  now  passed,  the  vessel  meantime  making 
rapid  progress,  when  the  captain  reported  that  the  island 
v/here  it  was  supposed  the  long  lost  men  would  be  found, 
was  distant  not  more  than  twenty-four  hours'  sail,  "  Yet 
in  order  to  reach  its  shores  I  will  be  compelled,''  said  he, 
"  to  head  the  ship  in  a  direction  some  hundred  or  more 
miles  from  the. direct  course,"  to  which,  however,  he 
most  generously  consented,  notwithstanding  the  many 
indignant  protests  of  passengers  who  were  naturally 
anxious  to  arrive  at  their  destination  in  the  shortest 
possible  space  of  time. 

The  island  at  length  reached,  the  captain,  accompan- 
ied by  the  minister,  together  with  his  wife  and  Bessie, 
were  speedily  landed,  when  to  their  grief  and  unbounded 
astonishment,  it  was  found  to  be  wholly  deserted,  while 


884         PREPARING  rOR  THE  VOYAGE. 

the  log  cabin  and  out  buildings  still  remained  intact 
as  well  as  a  multitude  of  traces  of  its  former  occu- 
pants being  discovered.  It  may  be  of  interest  iu  this 
connection  to  state  that  shortly  before  setting  out  on  the 
voyage,  Herman  had  taken  the  precaution  to  trace,  by 
the  aid  of  a  piece  of  charcoal,  on  the  flat  shining  sur- 
face of  the  well-worn  dining  table,  the  cause  of  their  ab- 
sence, as  also  the  attending  circumstances.  Thus  should 
any  unforeseen  emergency  arise  whereby  their  return 
might  be  delayed,  possibly  prolonged  for  all  time  to 
come,  a  record  would  be  left  showing  to  their  friends  or 
others  who  by  chance  were  led  that  way  the  sad  fate  of 
the  once  happy  islanders.  Tliis  record,  when  discovered, 
was  found  dated  August  10th,  1865,  more  than  three 
years  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the  steamship  Oood 
Bope,  and  her  now  nearly  desperate  passengers.  From 
appearances  it  was  plainly  discernible  that  no  human 
being,  civilized  or  savage,  had  set  foot  on  those  shores 
during  that  whole  period.  The  notice  so  roughly 
sketched  stated  the  course  they  were  to  sail,  so  the 
general  proposed  putting  the  steamer  on  the  same  route 
for  the  space  of  a  day  or  so,  thinking  meantime  some- 
thing might  turn  up  leading  to  the  whereabouts  of  their 
missing  friends.  "  Possibly,"  as  he  suggested,  "  they 
may  have  been  cast  on  some  more  distant  shore."  The 
kind  hearted  captain,  nothing  loth  to  serve  his  distin- 
guished passenger  and  friend,  readily  agreed,  so  the  vessel 
was  again  put  on  her  course,  heading  to  the  north-west. 

It  had  without  question  been  a  sore  trial  to  both 
Nelly  and  Bessie  to  find  their  brother  and  father  so  long 
absent  from  their  delightful  homes,  and  they  feared 
some  calamity  must  have  befallen  them,  else  they  would 
most  certainly  have  returned. 

The  two  girls  roamed  about  the  cabin  and  the  little 
farm,  tlie  latter  evidencing  lack  of  care.  The  fields  and 
garden  were  trampled  and  torn  by  wild  beasts  ;  the  pal- 
ings broken,  often  wholly  destroyed,  scarcely  a  vestige 
remaining  of  the  heretofore  luxuriously  growing  crops 
and  flowering  tropical  plants  once  so  carefully  tended. 


PREPARING  FOR  THE  VOYAGE.         885 

The  little  mill  was  also  setn,  though  in  a  singularly 
dilapidated  condition,  and  it  grieved  their  poor  hearts 
more  than  words  could  tell  when  looking  upon  these 
evidences  of  former  prosperity,  accomplished  by  so  much 
labor  and  forethought,  to  find  naught  but  ruin  and  de- 
parted grandeur.  Still,  as  nothing  could  be  done  nor 
gained  by  further  stay,  they  at  length  reluctantly  de- 
parted, sorrowing,  yet  hopeful,  again  setting  out  in 
further  quest  of  the  lost  ones. 

The  passengers  on  board  the  Good  Hope  numbered 
not  less  than  thirty  souls,  including  women  and  children, 
nearly  all  of  whom  were  becoming  weary,  more  partic- 
ularly the  little  ones,  as  the  journey  had  been  of  long 
duration,  consequently  tiresome  and  not  a  little  trying, 
especially  since  entering  the  tropics,  where  the  excessive 
heat  at  times  was  almost  unbearable.  So  it  can  scarcely 
be  a  matter  of  wonder  they  should  be  desirous  of  reach- 
ing their  homes,  many  of  them  residing  at  Rio  de 
Janeiro,  the  first  port  to  be  touched.  Yet,  alas,  that 
city  was  never  to  witness  the  arrival  of  any  one  of 
the  number ;  instead,  the  tumultuous  sea  was  to  be 
their  winding  sheet ;  the  raging  wind  and  tempest  their 
greeting ;  the  loud  voiced  thunder  their  requiem. 

The  Oood  Hope  had  been  standing  on  her  course  for 
several  hours,  close  watch  being  kept  meantime,  in  hope 
of  descrying  some  island  shore.  Our  friends  were 
gathered  on  deck  in  the  shadow  of  the  main  sail,  this 
warding  off  the  fierce  sun's  rays,  when  suddenly  Captain 
Straenborn  called  General  Steele's  attention  to  a  black 
cloud  lifting  above  the  horizon,  while  at  the  same  time 
the  barometer  was  falling.  Calling  to  his  first  mate,  he 
said : 

"  Mr.  Jemison,  order  sail  taken  in  at  once,  for  we  are 
on  the  verge  of  a  storm,  and  if  I'm  not  mistaken,  a 
severe  one," 

Ere  a  half  hour  had  expired,  the  hitherto  clear  sky 

became    overcast    with    heavy    darkening   clouds,   the 

winds  rose,  sweeping  over  the  sea  in  intermittent  blasts, 

now  and  then   dying   away  in   mournful   dirges  to   a 

24 


886  PREPARING   FOR   THE   VOYAGE. 

dead  calm,  when  suddenly  came  from  out  the  heavens 
a  vivid  flash  of  lightning,  succeeded  on  the  instant  by  a 
crash  of  thunder,  shaking  tlie  stout  vessel  from  stem  to 
stern,  splinters  flying  in  all  directions.  The  foremast 
had  been  struck  by  the  thunder-bolt  and  riven  into 
fragments,  the  top  and  main-sail  dropping  to  the  deck. 
The  captain  now  ordered  all  below,  as  a  number  of  the 
awe-stricken  passengers  still  remained  on  deck,  silent 
spectators  of  the  scene,  several  prostrated  by  the-  con- 
cussion. When  all  were  safely  housed  the  hatches  were 
tightly  fastened  down  in  readiness  for  the  rain  which 
would  doubtless  ere  long  pour  upon  them  and  which 
soon  made  its  appearance  in  torrents,  the  deck  becoming 
so  densely  flooded  that  several  of  the  crew  were  nearly 
drowned.  Now  the  waves  lifted  their  white  crested 
heads  and  rushing  over  the  vessel  in  such  masses  it  was 
feared  she  must  inevitably  be  engulfed  in  the  boiling 
sea.  The  ship's  company  gathered  in  the  main  cabin, 
powerless  to  avert  the  calamity,  which  seemed  destined 
to  overtake  them,  silently  awaited  their  doom.  Mean- 
while the  tempest  continued  to  increase  in  violence,  the 
winds  howling  in  defiance  of  any  earthly  power  brought 
to  bear  against  them. 

Swiftly  driven  from  her  course,  the  vessel  at  length 
failed  to  respond  to  the  utmost  efforts  of  the  helmsman 
and  the  furnace  fires  were  almost  extinguished  by  the 
incoming  floods,  the  Oood  Hope  pressing  onward  at  the 
mercy  of  the  raging  elements.  In  this  manner  were 
passed  three  long  hours,  the  captain  in  momentar}^  ex- 
pectation of  his  vessel's  being  completely  swallowed  up 
in  the  trough  of  the  mighty  billows,  often  times  on  the 
point  of  overweighting  her  decks  to  such  a  degree  that 
nothing  could  prevent  her  from  sinking.  It  was  now 
estimated  that  the  ship  had  been  driven  from  her 
course  many  hundreds  of  miles,  and  while  in  the  act 
of  explaining  this  circumstance  to  General  Steele  there 
came  to  the  ears  of  the  captain  the  startling  sound  of 
breakers,  followed  by  the  crashing  of  timbers  and  the 
sudden  halt  of  the  vessel. 


PREPARING   FOR   THE   VOYAGE.  887 

The  smoke  stack  crashed  to  the  deck,  the  unextin- 
guished fires  flew  from  the  mouths  of  the  furnace.  The 
ship  was  not  only  a  wreck,  but  infinitely  worse,  on  fire. 

"  Mr.  Jemison,  lower  away  the  boats,"  came  in  sten- 
torian tones  from  the  captain,  who  stood  in  the  midst 
of  the  passengers,  many  of  whom  were  nearly  wild  with 
fright  upon  witnessing  the  appalling  scenes.  The  cap- 
tain now  raised  the  hatchway,  thus  giying  those  below 
free  access  to  the  outer  air,  of  which  they  stood  so  much 
in  need.  "Let  all  prepare  to  take  the  boats,  for  I  will 
not  conceal  from  you  the  fact  that  as  long  as  we  remain 
on  the  wreck  our  danger  is  imminent,"  again  shouted 
the  captain. 

The  boats  were  hastily  lowered  and  as  quickly  filled, 
nearly  all  of  the  terrified  people  embarking,  both  pas- 
sengers and  crew  clinging  to  the  frail  craft  as  their  only 
hope  of  salvation.  The  order  to  shove  oft'  was  now 
given,  yet  the  first  boat  to  obey  had  scarcely  moved 
a  length  away  when  it  was  capsized,  its  people  cast  into 
the  surging  sea,  their  terrified  cries  and  heart-rending 
shrieks  rising  from  out  its  depths.  The  second  to  shove 
off  got  well  under  way,  yet  in  a  few  moments  was  lost 
sight  of  in  the  darkness,  and  now  when  the  third  and 
last  was  about  to  receive  its  precious  living  freight,  the 
captain  suddenly  shouted : 

"  Hold  as  you  are !  " 

There  yet  remained  the  captain,  Uriah  Straenborn ; 
first  mate,  Peter  Jemison ;  foreign  minister,  General 
Steele,  his  wife  Nelly,  Bessie  Perkins,  and  last,  but  not 
least,  the  colored  youth  Eph,  who  had  accom pained 
Massa  Geneial  on  the  perilous  expedition,  partly  from  a 
love  of  adventure,  but  mainly  because  he  would  not,  as 
he  vowed,  leave  the  one  to  whom  he  was  so  strongly 
attached. 

"  Wha  fo  yo  leab  Eph  behind?  Yo  hab  nobody  to 
brack  yo  boots.     No,  Massa  Captin,  Eph  goes  wid  yo." 

This  settled  the  question,  so  we  now  find  poor  Eph 
about  as  thoroughly  frightened  a  darky  as  the  most 
inveterate  foe  of  the  colored  race  might  wish  to  see. 


388         PREPARING  FOR  THE  VOYAGE. 

Captain  Stiaenboni  now  explained  to  the  general  the 
cause  of  his  recalling  the  boat,  urging  that  he  believed 
the  occupants  of  the  craft  just  left  had  perished  through 
being  overturned  by  sunken  reefs  and  rocks  surrounding 
them  on  all  sides.  "  Such  being  the  case,"  he  continued, 
"  'twould  be  sheer  madness  for  us  to  run  the  same  risks, 
therefore  I  propose  we  take  the  chances  of  remaining  as 
we  are  for  the  present  at  least." 

So  under  his  direction  all  went  to  work  with  a  will  in 
the  endeavor  to  extinguish  the  flames,  which  as  yet 
having  made  but  little  headway,  were  soon  brought 
under  control.  The  sea  still  ran  high,  breaking  over 
the  bulwarks  of  the  doomed  vessel,  now  and  then  one 
of  larger  proportions  making  sad  havoc  with  the  more 
vulnerable  parts  of  the  wTeck,  thus  confirming  the  cap- 
tain's opinion,  that  the  ship's  days,  possibly  hours,  were 
numbered,  while  it  was  the  general  impression  that  she 
was  liable  to  go  to  pieces  at  any  moment. 

A  long  and  anxious  period  of  suspense  intervened, 
accompanied  by  serious  thought  and  painful  forebodings, 
until  at  length  the  light  of  breaking  day  appeared, 
shortly  after  which  the  sun  rose  in  a  clear  sky.  The 
waves  beat  less  furiously  against  the  sides  of  the  crushed 
hull  of  the  once  proud  steamship  Good  Eope^  stranded 
on  the  identical  rocks  that  witnessed,  more  than  two 
hundred  years  before,  the  destruction  of  the  Colonial 
ship  Starlight. 

"  General,  what  is  that  I  see  away  over  to  the  west?  " 
spoke  Captain  Straenborn,  who  for  some  little  time  had 
been  thoughtfully  scanning  the  horizon. 

General  Steele,  after  casting  his  eye  in  the  direction 
indicated,  meanwhile  prolonging  his  gaze  for  some 
moments,  suddenly  broke  out  with  the  single  exclama- 
tion: 

"  It's  land." 

The  sun  was  now  well  risen,  gradually  mounting 
higlier  in  the  heavens,  the  atmospliere crisp  and  bracing; 
thus  hope  began  to  assert  its  sway  in  every  heart. 

The  captain  now  proceeded  to  examine  the  wreck  in 


PREPARING   FOR   THE   VOYAGE.  389 

its  every  part,  finally  declariBg  tlie  vessel  could  in  any 
event  bold  together  but  little  longer.  "Yet,"  be  con- 
tinued, "  sbould  tbe  wind  continue  to  grow  less  and  the 
waves  still,  I  am  in  hopes  we  may  meanwhile  be  able  to 
devise  some  plan  wliereby  to  reach  yon  distant  shore." 

"  But  what  are  we  to  do  ?  "  suggested  the  general, 
while  endeavoring  to  maintain  a  foothold  on  the  upheaved 
deck,  Nelly  and  Bessie  standing  near,  both  of  whom 
had  shown  admirable  courage  during  the  trying  scene 
of  the  past  night. 

Before  replying  to  the  general's  question  Captain 
Straenborn  again  went  below,  with  the  intent  of  making 
a  more  thorough  examination,  soon  appearing  with 
good  news.  "  While  the  hold  is  badly  shattered  and 
broken  in  nearly  every  part,  yet,"  said  he,  "  I  have 
concluded  that  from  being  cast  so  high  above  the  water, 
tbe  waves  consequently  dashing  with  less  power  against 
her  sides,  she  may  hold  out  for  an  hour,  possibly  longer. 
Yet  I  cannot  deny  that  we  are  in  great  danger,  nor  hold 
out  much  hope  of  deliverance  from  our  perilous  situation." 

"But,"  quoth  the  general,  "we  still  have  our  boat,  let 
us  take  to  that," 

"  Aye,  aye,"  replied  tbe  captain,  "  while  it  is  quite 
true  we  have,  as  you  say,  still  one  boat,  yet  of  what 
avail,  for  do  you  not  see,  we  are  surrounded,  and  that 
farther  than  the  eye  can  reach,  by  reefs  and  rocks  in  the 
midst  of  which  no  craft  of  whatever  kind  would  live 
^n  instant!" 

The  heretofore  hazy  atmosphere  had  now  cleared,  the 
morning  fogs  totally  disappearing,  when  looking  away 
to  the  now  plainly  discerned  shores  of  the  not  distant 
island,  a  strange  sight  appeared,  one  that  brought 
renewed  hope  to  each  heart,  aye,  a  sight  to  gladden 
eyes  that  otherwise  must  ere  long  have  been  closed  in 
everlasting  sleep, 

A  long,  narrow,  raft-like  craft  was  seen  putting  off, 
from  which  rose,  floating  upward  in  the  still  atmosphere, 
a  dense  cloud  of  steam,  while  from  the  top  of  a  tall 
mast  waved  the  stars  and  stripes,  causing  an  exclama- 


390         PREPARING  FOR  THE  VOYAGE. 

tion  of  surprise,  mingled  with  the  most  intense  joy,  to 
spring  from  every  heart. 

"  What  under  the  sun  !  "  broke  from  the  general.  "  A 
craft  propelled  by  steam,  sailing  under  the  stars  and 
stripes,  tlie  flag  of  the  Union,  and  this,  too,  away  off  in 
these  remote  seas  and  barbarous  lands  1  " 

"  Why,  General,  I  am  not  only  surprised,  but  simply 
astounded !  "  ejaculated  Captain  Straenborn.  "  Yet  see, 
they  head  this  way  !" 

Aye,  the  captain  was  right,  for  head  in  their  direction 
they  did,  coming  on  with  fair  headway  on  the  heaving 
billows,  pufis  of  steam  rising  at  regular  intervals,  indi- 
cating the  pulsation  of  the  piston-rod  of  a  steam  engine. 
An  hour  now  passed,  meanwhile  the  craft  continuing  to 
approach,  until  at  length  arriving  within  hailing  distance, 
a  voice  broke  forth  in  cheery  tones  : 

"Ship  ahoy!  What  craft  is  that,  or  rather,  I  should 
say,  wreck." 

This  question  was  replied  to  by  the  captain : 

"  The  United  States  Government  Steamer  Oood  Hope^ 
stranded  as  you  see,"  he  answered. 

"  All  right !  Be  of  good  cheer,  we  will  soon  take 
you  off,  as  you  will  see." 

The  singular  looking  craft  now  came  alongside,  puff- 
ing and  blowing,  as  though  desirous  of  giving  vent  to 
its  pent  up  energies  now  for  the  first  time  put  forth  to 
extricate  the  ill-starred  castaways- from  a  watery  grave. 

A  stout  cable  was  passed  from  the  wreck,  which  was 
quickly  secured  by  the  steam  craft,  followed  by  the 
climbing  up  the  sides  of  the  shattered  hull  of  a  young, 
bronzed,  bearded  man  and  another  of  middle  age,  by 
whose  side  appeared  a  pleasant  ebony  face,  from  whose 
wide  mouth  broke  in  eager  tones : 

"  Fo  de  Lawd,  Massa  Captain,  we  is  jess  in  time." 

Yes,  our  good  old  friend  Caesar  spoke  but  the  truth, 
for  ere  a  little  time  should  elapse,  naught  would  be 
seen  of  the  Oood  Hope  save  a  few  broken  timbers, 
shattered  masts  and  bulwarks. 

The  erstwhile  gallant  General  Duke  Steele,  now  the 


PREPARING  FOR  THE  VOYAGE.         891 

duly  accredited  minister  of  foreign  affairs,  had  arrived 
at  an  wholly  unlooked  for  destination.  As  a  nation's 
diplomat  his  career  had  ingloriously  terminated  ;  as  a 
future  benefactor  to  his  race  and  friends,  it  was  about  to 
commence. 

Herman  Baxter,  heretofore  an  alleged,  nevertheless 
convicted  criminal,  we  now  introduce  as  the  principal 
personage,  central  figure  and  governmental  head  of  a 
populous  island  community.  'Not  only  this,  but  has 
most  unexpectedly,  (shall  we  say  providentially  ?)  met  his 
first  and  only  true  love,  Bessie  Perkins  ;  Nelly,  a  long 
lost  brother;  the  captain,  an  only  and  well  beloved 
daughter.  Aye,  a  daughter  one  might  well  say  among  a 
thousand,  as  what  other  would  have  possessed  the  forti- 
tude, the  bravery  and  the  noble  self-sacrificing  spirit, 
required  to  set  out  on  a  voyage  attended  by  so  much 
discomfort,  fraught  with  so  many  perils,  in  an  effort 
looking  to  the  rescue  of  the  two  most  valued  beings 
on  earth,  a  father  and  lover ?  "A  silly  child,"  her  aunt 
had  said!  Anyhow,  be  this  as  it  may,  she  has  fulfilled 
her  mission  ;  realized  her  dreams  and  accomplished  her 
object,  though  one  might  say,  in  an  indirect  manner. 
This,  however,  she  cares  little  about,  as  clasping  a  hand 
of  each  in  tender  joyous  solicitude  and  warm  hearted 
greeting,  she  can  scarcely  repress  her  emotions.  Yet  we 
must  for  the  present  pass  by  the  singular  meeting  of 
these  long  separated  friends,  simply  remaiking  it  was  not 
only  a  strangely  impressive,  but  most  happy  scene. 

"  God  be  praised  I  "  piously  ejaculated  Herman  at  the 
conclusion  of  the  necessarily  limited,  though  happy 
greetings.  Are  these  mysterious  events  never  to  have 
an  ending?  Really  I  am  almost  inclined  to  the  belief 
in  miracles  whatever  scientists  may  avow  to  the  con- 
trary. Yet,"  he  continued,  "  we  must  leave  congratu- 
lations and  mutual  explanations  for  the  present,  and 
hurry  from  this  wreck,  as  from  what  I  can  judge  by 
appearances,  it  will   hold  together  but  little  longer." 

The  ladies  were  immediately  placed  on  board  the 
unique  craft,  followed  by  the  remainder  of  the  party,  the 


392  CIVIL  WAR    INAUGURATED. 

engine  started,  and  they  were  off  to  encounter  scenes 
both  new  and  strange ;  their  future  world  one  little 
anticipated  when  setting  out  on  the  eventful  journey. 
Well  it  was  that  their  departure  from  the  stranded 
vessel  was  not  delayed,  for  ere  half  the  distance  Avas 
traversed,  the  wreck  was  seen  to  break  up  and  disappear, 
swallowed  up  in  the  deep  waters  of  the  sea. 

"  A  most  timely  rescue  from  an  awful  death,"  coolly 
remarked  the  captain. 

All  the  skill  at  command  was  required  to  bring  the 
heavily  weighted  craft  to  its  destination  ;  but  under  the 
management  and  skillful  guidance  of  the  pilot,  assisted 
by  his  brave  crew,  they  were  soon  safely  landed,  an 
event  scarcely  consummated,  when  from  the  fortress  on 
the  heights  above  thundered  forth  a  joyous  welcome, 
responded  to  by  the  enthusiastic  cheers  of  the  happy 
ones  below,  while  from  the  topmost  pinnacle  waved 
the  stars  and  stripes,  with  this  difference,  that  whereas 
on  the  one  displayed  to  the  gaze  of  the  captain,  Herman 
and  Caesar  three  years  previous,  there  were  only 
thirteen  stars,  there  were  on  the  present  banner  thirty- 
eight.  Aye,  there  before  their  very  eyes  floated 
the  sacred  emblem  of  their  country's  glory,  the  flag 
of  the  Union.  As  a  fitting  prelude  to  the  entrance  of 
the  little  shipwrecked  band  to  the  town,  an  escort  of 
thirty  men,  under  arms,  was  observed  drawn  up  in 
stately  array  on  either  side  of  the  open  gateway  of  the 
fortress,  whose  walls  towered  high  in  the  air,  betoken- 
ing  both  strength  and  safety. 


CHAPTER  LYII. 

CIVIL  WAR  INAUGURATED. 


AT  a  previous  leavetaking,  our  island  community 
were  in  active  preparations  for  war.  The  gov- 
ernor had  called  upon  his  adherents  to  sustain  him 
in  a  proposed  conflict,  with,  or  rather  against  progress. 


CIVIL   WAR   INAUGURATED.  393 

as  exemplified  in  the  person  of  the  schoohuaster, 
Herman  Baxter,  the  latter  upheld  and  about  to  be 
sustained  in  his  teachings  by  Gamahil,  the  scribe, 
who,  as  the  recognized  leader  of  the  opposition, 
numbering  nearly  two-thirds  of  the  whole  people,  had 
placed  himself  at  their  head,  thus  throwing  down  the 
gauntlet  in  defiance  of  the  government.  As  some 
portion  of  the  soldiery  manifested  a  disposition  to 
fraternize  with  the  followers  of  Gamahil,  the  governor 
became  at  length  forced  to  the  conclusion  that  he  was 
conlronted  by  a  foe  not  to  be  despised,  so  it  would  seem 
that  in  the  event  of  actual  conflict,  his  destiny  pointed 
to  defeat.  Look  in  whatever  direction  he  would,  the 
conclusion  was  strengthened  from  the  fact  that  on  the 
first  attempt  at  coercion,  notably  the  act  of  seizing  the 
school-teacher,  the  government  troops  were  not  only 
outnumbered,  but  actually  beaten.  At  this  juncture  it 
was  deemed  the  wiser  course  on  the  part  of  the  govern- 
ment to  prolong  the  contest  if  possible,  as  at  this  time 
they  were  actively  engaged  in  preparing  munitions  of 
war,  by  way  of  casting  cannon,  balls  and  shot,  also  manu- 
facturing gunpowder,  all  of  which  the  opposition  was 
debarred  from,  unless  they  should  be  able  to  gain 
possession  of  the  foundry,  now  in  the  hands  of  the 
government  officers.  The  far  seeing  scribe  was  inclined, 
as  in  the  case  of  a  far  more  noted  general,  to  "  push 
things,"  and  this  he  soon  did  with  much  vigor.  The 
government  meantime  clearly  discerning  the  outcome 
should  they  fall  to  blows,  prepared  articles  for  negotia- 
tion looking  to  conditional  surrender.  But  Gamahil, 
being  too  powerful  to  listen  to  argument,  so  insisted 
upon  making  it  unconditional,  that  the  government  was 
at  length  constrained  to  submit. 

The  popular  feeling  now  rose  high  in  favor  of  the 
strangers,  the  majority,  more  especially  the  younger 
class,  favoring  a  change  in  the  government  tending  to 
the  progress  and  enlightenment  of  the  community.  So  it 
came  to  pass  that  a  general  election  was  held,  resulting 
in  placing  on  the  throne  no  less  a  personage  than  our 


894  CIVIL   WAR  INAUGURATED. 

old  friend  Baxter,  the  schoolmaster.  Thus  was  confer- 
red upon  the  young  enthusiast  the  highest  office  within 
the  gift  of  the  people,  the  aged  incumbent  retiring  to  pri- 
vate life,  yet  it  would  be  hardly  safe  to  say  without 
regret.  Thus  was  settled  for  all  time  to  come,  the 
question  of  heredity  as  to  the  governorship,  also  one  of 
far  greater  moment,  tliat  of  enlightenment  and  progress. 

One  of  the  first  steps  taken  by  Governor  Baxter,  was 
that  of  choosing  a  council  more  in  harmony  with  the 
general  policy  of  the  new  administration.  Other  and 
presumably  better  laws  were  enacted,  at  all  events  better 
adapted  to  the  present  wants  of  the  community,  so  that 
now  under  the  leadership  of  an  educated,  progressive 
spirit,  the  affairs  of  the  colony  were  not  only  funda- 
mentally changed,  but  in  a  fair  way  of  assuming  a  more 
elevated  character. 

A  more  thorough  and  comprehensive  system  of  for- 
tifications, tending  to  a  better  defence  of  the  colony,  was 
inaugurated,  yet  scarcely  completed,  when  a  most  sud- 
den, though  not  wholly  unlooked  for  event  occurred, 
threatening  its  very  existence,  and  which,  but  for  the 
wise  forethought  and  prompt  movements  of  the  ener- 
getic governor,  would  have  terminated  the  colony's  ca 
reer,  no  other  than  a  raid  by  the  savage  foe  with  an  im- 
mense and  powerful  force. 

Three  years  have  passed  in  quick  succession  since  the 
attack  of  the  savages,  the  close  of  the  third  year  wit- 
nessing the  arrival  of  the  survivors  of  the  wrecked 
steamship  Good  Hope. 

The  affairs  of  the  colony  have  greatly  prospered  under 
the  regime  of  the  newly  elected  governor,  whose  trained 
intellect  has  been  brought  to  bear  on  the  affairs  of  the 
government,  tending  to  the  improvement  and  general 
weal  of  the  community.  The  hitherto  turbulent  fac- 
tions were  harmonized  and  thorovTghly  united,  while 
"  peace  and  good-will  to  men"  reigned  sui)reme.  Mean- 
while the  governor,  in  co-operation  with  the  noted 
inventor,  has  successfully  mastered  the  steam  engine; 
resulting  in  the  propulsion  of  railway  cars,  mills,  found- 


CIVIL   WAR   INAUGURATED.  395 

eries;  in  short,  in  whatever  direction  motive  power  is 
required.  Steam  has  usurped  the  place  formerly  occu- 
pied by  the  wind.  Telegraphic  communication  with  the 
outlying  districts  has,  after  repeated  efforts,  resulted  in 
success,  while  steam  navigation  in  the  form  of  rafts  so 
constructed  as  to  float  lightly  over  the  rooky  seas,  is 
taken  in  hand,  though  it  is  the  general  opinion  that  it  is 
wholly  impracticable  to  attempt  to  navigate  any  great 
distance  from  shore,  giving  rise  to  the  unpleasant  thought 
that  the  prospect  of  ever  leaving  the  rock-begirt  island 
is  exceedingly  slim. 

Upon  the  advent  of  our  friends  of  the  Good  Hope^ 
Ca33ar  was  overjoyed  to  meet  Bph,  as  one  of  his  own 
race  and  color.  Caesar  had  become  a  prime  favorite 
among  all  classes  and  ages,  and  Eph  would  doubtless 
in  good  time  become  no  less  so,  for  he  was  equally  good 
natured,  with  a  disposition  to  please  those  with  whom 
he  came  in  contact. 

One  can  scarcely  realize,  much  less  estimate,  the  ex- 
tent of  rejoicing  occasioned  by  the  reunion  of  these 
long  separated  friends,  a  true  union  of  hearts,  destined 
at  no  distant  day  to  be  followed  by  a  union  of  hands  in 
the  case  of  two  at  least. 

In  an  interview  held  with  his  time  honored  friend 
and  classmate,  Duke  Steele,  shortly  after  his  arrival, 
the  governor  learned  the  sources  from  whence  originated 
all  his  past  troubles.  He  told  him  of  the  complic- 
ity of  the  Confederate  agents,  Ephraim  Stroud  and 
Cyrus  Jones,  the  concoctors  of  the  diabolical  plot  to  rid 
themselves  of  the  presence  of  both  Herman  Baxter 
and  Duke  Steele,  then  secure  Nelly  and  through  her  the 
estate  of  her  father  ;  the  flight  of  Duke,  his  entrance 
into  the  employ  of  the  Confederate  government,  his 
subsequent  army  career  and  rapid  promotion  ;  the  pros- 
ecution of  the  war  for  four  long  years ;  the  emanci- 
pation of  the  slaves;  Duke's  capture  and  confinement  by 
the  guerillas ;  the  triumph  of  tlie  Union  cause ;  his 
marriage  to  Nelly  ;  appointment  to  the  foreign  mission  ; 
correspondence    with   Bessie   Perkins ;    voyage   of  the 


396  CIVIL  WAR  INAUGURATED. 

Good  Hope  with  attending  incidents,  and  lastly  the 
wreck  of  the  noble  ship,  all  but  the  latter  portion  of  the 
narrative  being  news  of  so  astounding  a  nature  the  gov- 
ernor could  hardly  give  it  credence. 

In  return,  Herman  related  his  own  adventures,  which 
it  is  needless  to  say,  were  of  a  no  less  startling  nature. 
In  conclusion  the  two  friends  agreed  that  few  persons 
had  ever  been  so  buffeted  and  knocked  about  the  world 
as  they.  "However,"  as  the  general  said,  "all's  well 
that  ends  well.  I  am  afraid  though,"  he  continued, 
"  that  President  Grant  will  find  himself  under  the  painful 
necessity  of  sending  out  a  second  minister  of  foreign 
affairs,  as  my  mission  evidently  lies  in  another  direction, 
and  possibly  Bessie  was  right  when  questioning  whether 
the  duties  devolving  upon  me  were  those  of  minister  or 
missionary,  the  latter  vocation  doubtless  fitting  my  pres- 
ent position,  anyliow  in  regard  to  our  neighbors,  the 
dark  skinned  heathen,  better  than  the  former." 

The  nuptials  of  the  governor  and  Bessie  were  in  due 
time  celebrated,  the  captain  giving  his  daughter  away  to 
his  esteemed  friend,  in  true  sailor  fashion.  So  we  now  find 
the  governor  and  Bessie,  the  foreign  minister  and  Nelly, 
under  one  roof,  residing  at  the  official  mansion,  heretofore 
"ye  tabernacle,"  happy  in  the  enjoyment  of  agreeable 
companionship.  The  captain  meanwhile  was  not  for- 
gotten, an  elegant  apartment  having  been  set  apart  for 
his.  execlusive  use,  where  he  generally  found  consola- 
tion in  his  pipe.  Caesar  was  general  factotum  and  man 
of  business  for  the  governor,  while  Eph  performed  like 
services  for  "  Massa  General." 

The  island  presented  at  this  time  a  most  charming 
appearance,  a  considerable  portion  highly  cultivated, 
under  the  most  approved  system  of  latter  day  agricul- 
ture, while  the  school  flourished  to  an  uncommon  degree. 

A  large  and  better  appointed  church  edifice  had  been 
erected,  its  lofty  spire  pointing  heavenward,  while  the 
social  system  of  former  days  was  still  largely  in  vogue, 
as  argued  the  governor,  "  It  is  neither  imperative  nor 
at  all  times  wise  to  change  old  things  to  new." 


CIVIL   WAR   INAUGURATED.  397 

An  improved  waterworks  system  was  also  under  way, 
the  object  not  only  to  afford  a  better  quality  than  at 
present  attainable,  but  also  as  the  town  was  acquiring 
such  large  proportions,  an  increased  supply.  Thus  in 
the  event  of  a  conflagration,  they  would  be  the  better 
prepared  to  meet  the  exigency,  to  which  end  an  arte- 
sian well  had  been  sunk  near  to  the  centre  of  the  public 
square,  proving  as  was  commonly  believed,  adequate  for 
all  future  needs. 

The  construction  of  a  fire  engine  was  also  under  con- 
templation ;  an  improvement  estimated  by  the  governor 
of  such  vital  importance  that  Sparks,  the  inventor,  was 
urged  to  set  about  the  work  at  the  earliest  possible 
moment. 

A  fire  brigade,  already  organized,  Captain  Perkins  at 
its  head,  were  holding  frequent  meetings  for  the  purpose 
of  acquiring  a  practical  knowledge  of  the  methods  in 
vogue  as  to  the  working  of  a  machine  of  the  above  char- 
acter. 

One  other,  and  possibly  a  more  serious  change  of 
affairs,  affecting  the  welfare  of  the  colony,  at  this  time 
under  consideration  by  the  governor,  was  that  of  organ- 
izing a  new  town.  At  a  somewhat  extended  consulta- 
tion held  with  the  council,  the  governor  had  broached 
the  subject,  plainly  stating  his  reason  for  this  innovation 
on  their  former  custom  in  relation  to  the  matter  in  ques- 
tion. Basing  his  argument  on  the  fact  that  the  culti- 
vated area  of  land  was  becoming  of  such  extent,  the  popu- 
lation at  the  same  time  increasing  so  rapidly,  thus  neces- 
sitating  more  time  than  seemed  advisable  in  traveling 
back  and  forth,  to  say  nothing  of  transporting  the  prod- 
ucts of  the  soil  to  so  great  a  distance,  he  said  he 
believed  it  for  the  good  of  the  whole  community  that  a 
change  in  this  direction  should  not  only  be  favorably 
considered,  but  taken  in  hand  with  the  least  possible 
delay. 

Upon  listening  to  the  suggestions  of  the  governor,  the 
council  unanimously  fell  in  with  the  project,  when  soon 
after  a  site  was  selected,  lying  on  the  main  line  of  railway 


CIVIL  WAR   INAUGURATED. 

and  some  ten  miles  distant  from  the  present  town,  and 
work  commenced  in  laying  it  out. 

As  a  preliminary  step,  however,  it  was  deemed  advis- 
able that  a  governing  head  be  selected  for  the  new  town, 
and  as  General  Steele  seemed  the  prime  favorite,  that 
gentleman  was  honored  by  being  chosen  for  the  position. 

lie  replied  that  having  served  for  nearly  four  years  in 
the  Confederate  army,  which  taken  in  connection  with 
the  arduous  labors  pertaining  to  the  office  of  foreign 
minister,  had  quite  worn  him  out.  He  begged  therefore 
to  be  excused,  preferring  an  unostentatious  life,  free  from 
the  cares  and  vexations  incident  to  the  charge  of  public 
affairs. 

"Pardon  me,"  replied  the  governor,  "surely  I  had 
quite  forgotten  the  immense  obligation  your  country 
has  laid  itself  under  in  consideration  of  the  masterly 
tact  displayed  and  services  rendered  by  you  in  so  skill- 
fully  carrying  out  its  instructions  by  arranging  those 
affairs  in  dispute  for  so  long  a  time  existing  between 
your  own  governmeut  and  the  foreign  court  to  which 
you  were  accredited." 

"  Aye,  my  dear  General,  we  must  of  a  verity  excuse 
you  and  look  elsewhere  for  a  fit  representative  where- 
with to  fill  the  exalted  station  your  eminent  abilities  so 
well  qualify  you  to  sustain." 

So  casting  about,  the  governor's  attention  was  at 
length  directed  to,  and  his  mind  settled  on  his  old  friend 
the  captain,  who  avowed  he  was  not  only  willing  to,  but 
did  gracefully  accept  the  coveted  post  of  honor,  even 
though  devoid  of  emoluments. 

His  wife  Sarah,  the  scribe's  daughter,  to  whom  he 
had  been  married  a  short  time  previous,  comforted  her- 
self by  the  reflection,  that  while  she  could  not  be  the 
"  First  lady  of  the  land,  "  as  the  governor's  wife,  she 
would  do  the  next  best  thing,  officiate  in  the  capacity  of 
second. 

Now  that  his  daughter  Bessie  was  with  him,  Captain 
Perkins  seemed  more  happy  and  contented  than  ever  in 
the  seclusion  and  agreeable  surroundings  of  his  island 


THE    FUTURE   WELFARE   OF   THE   COLONY.  899 

home,  yet  not  to  such  a  degree  as  to  be  unwilling  to 
accept  the  nearer  and  dearer  companionship  of  one  of 
the  opposite  sex.  So  be  had  some  time  previous  taken 
to  wife  Sarah,  the  scribe's  daughter,  who  in  the  after- 
time  proved  not  only  a  good  help-mate,  but  a  wise  coun- 
sellor and  judicious  housekeeper,  though  much  younger 
than  her  husband. 

The  time  set  for  the  return  of  the  Oood  Hope  had 
long  since  expired,  and  as  nothing  had  been  heard  of 
the  vessel  or  the  whereabouts  of  the  foreign  minister, 
it  was  currently  believed  that  the  vessel  had  experi- 
enced some  overwhelming  disaster  and  the  minister 
had  miserably  perished,  so  it  became  incumbent  upon  the 
president  to  appoint  a  successor,  which  was  accordingly 
done,  attended  by  happier  results,  as  the  diplomat 
reached  his  destination  in  safety. 


CHAPTEK  LYIII. 

THE  FUTURE  WELFARE  OF  THE  COLONY. 

fl'^^HE  course  of  thrilling  adventures  and  stirring 
I  events  heretofore  recorded  bring  us  to  the  year 
1870,  the  governorship  of  the  colony  still  remaining  in 
the  hands  of  Herman  Baxter,  though  by  an  ordinance 
previously  passed,  the  system  of  heredity  has  become 
obsolete,  yet  in  the  main  the  old  colonial  laws  still 
remained  in  force. 

The  founding  of  the  new  town  has  proven  a  wise  and 
thoughtful  measure,  as  under  the  control  and  guidance 
of  Captain  Perkins,  assisted  by  his  energetic  wife,  the 
captain's  pipe  taking  up  a  goodly  portion  of  his  time,  it 
has  flourished  uncommonly  well.  New  lands  have 
been  added  and  brought  under  cultivation  and  several 
houses  erected,  the  town  now  boasting  of  more  than  two 
hundred  inhabitants. 

At  the  time  of  General  Steele's  appointment,  entail- 


400  THE   FUTURE   WELFARE   OF   THE   COLONY. 

ing  departure  from  his  native  land,  the  president's  term 
of  office  was  half  expired,  and  in  the  event  of  the  oppo- 
sition gaining  the  ascendency,  which  was  not  improb- 
able, the  general  would  doubtless  be  recalled.  So  when 
accepting  an  appointment  to  the  high  position  he  had 
felt  less  concern  about  leaving  in  other  hands  the  man- 
agement of  the  large  estate  inherited  by  his  wife.  Yet 
little  did  either  dream  when  setting  out  on  the  ill  starred 
voyage  that  he  was  not  to  fill  the  office  of  minister  to  a 
foreign  court  nor  return  to  his  home  on  the  Rappahan- 
nock. 

One  day  the  general,  in  company  with  the  governor, 
was  sitting  in  the  cozy  private  office  of  the  latter  en- 
gaged in  conversation  mainly  regarding  the  affairs  of  the 
community.  The  general,  who  for  some  little  time  had 
remained  silent,  evidently  in  serious  contemplation  of 
some  matter  of  more  than  usual  importance,  suddenly 
broke  the  silence,  saying  : 

"  Governor,  do  you  never  long  for  a  sight  of  your  old 
Virginia  home;  a  home  made  sacred  by  the  saintly  hfe 
of  your  mother  and  a  father  whose  memory,  enshrined 
in  the  liearts  of  all,  can  never  be  forgotten  ?  You  are  of 
course  aware  that  the  plantation  and  all  connected  with 
the  estate  was  left  by  the  will  of  your  father  to  be  divided 
equally  between  yourself  and. Nelly,  and  now  that  the 
institution  of  slavery  is  a  thing  of  the  past ;  the  South 
re-constructed  on  the  basis  of  liberty  and  equal  rights, 
I  will  not  say  fraternity,  regardless  of  race  or  color ;  I 
am  of  the  opinion  that  landed  property  must  become 
greatly  enhanced  in  value,  and  this  I  may  say  was  also 
the  settled  conviction  of  your  father,  who,  while  he  was 
a  slave  holder,  was  ever  a  bitter  opponent  of  its  prin- 
ciple. 

"  Again,  there  will  doubtless  set  in  a  large  emigration 
from  the  North,  encouraged  in  part  by  the  warmer 
climate,  measurably  from  friendly  affiliation  with  the 
Southern  people,  engendered  by  closer  acquaintanceship 
during  the  many  years  of  the  war ;  a  people  whom  all 
have  been  forced  to  admit  and  recognize,  regardless  of 


THE   FUTURE    WELFARE    OF   THE    COLONY.  401 

political  bias,  as  generous  and  warm  hearted.  Thus  the 
Union,  re-united,  I  believe  will  take  on  an  unwonted 
degree  of  prosperity,  marked  by  unanimity  of  purpose 
and  good  feeling ;  and,  as  for  myself,  I  must  own  that  I 
feel  like  taking  a  hand  in  the  up-building  of  the  now 
prosperous  nation.     What  say  you,  Governor '/  " 

The  governor,  who  had  remained  a  passive  though 
attentive  listener  to  the  very  sensible  remarks  of  his  old 
friend,  being  thus  appealed  to,  replied  in  substance  as 
follows : 

"  Well,  General,  to  be  candid  with  you,  at  the  same 
time  fully  appreciating  what  you  have  said,  I  have  to 
a  certain  extent,  I  might  say  wholly,  during  the  past 
six  years  of  my  life,  made  a  '  virtue  of  necessity.'  I 
couldn't  do  otherwise,  in  fact,  for  if  I  havn't  been  a 
creature  of  circumstances,  what  under  the  sun  have  I 
been  ?  Placed  in  situations  of  the  most  urgent  peril,  I 
could  but  fall  in  with  the  current  leading  me  whereso- 
ever it  would.  I  was,  as  one  might  say,  helpless  to 
change  its  course  or  stem  the  tide  at  times  nearly  over- 
whelming me,  and  even  now,  I  see  no  way  of  bettering 
our  condition,  if  changing  it  were  possible,  or  even 
advisable,  which  I  question.  As  you  well  know, 
General,  I  was  by  force  of  circumstances  impelled  to 
these  shores,  where  situated  in  the  midst  of  plenty,  my 
life  has  thus  far  been  happy.  Why  then  should  I  long  for 
more  ?  Yet  I  am  free  to  confess,  I  do  often  times  indulge 
in  the  hope  of  again  looking  on  the  old  plantation  home, 
notwithstanding  so  many  of  its  dearest  ties  are  broken 
never  to  be  again  united.  Yet  I  am  fain  to  believe  my 
regrets  are  less  for  the  loss  of  home  than  of  country ;  but, 
my  friend,  how  immeasurably  better  off  are  we  here  than 
perchance  we  might  be  there?  Furthermore,  I  have 
thought,  studied,  aye,  dreamed,  again  and  again,  of  the 
possibility  of  navigating  these  rock  begirt  seas  without 
coming  to  any  satisfactory  conclusion,  certainly  no 
result.  So  I  have  about  ceased  giving  further  thought 
to  the  matter."  ■ 

"  But,  Governor,  I  am  convinced  I  see  a  way  out 
2o 


402  THE   FUTUKK    WELFARE   OF   THE   COLONY. 

of  the  difficulty.  Have  you  never,  in  all  your  cogi- 
tations, had  the  idea  occur  to  your  mind  of  balloon- 
ing?" 

"  Well,"  replied  the  governor,  "  as  to  that,  I  can't  say 
that  I've  given  the  subject  much  thought.  Yet  I  can- 
not well  deny  it  has  occurred  to  me ;  still  the  project  has 
seemed  so  chimerical,  that  I've  believed  it  scarcely 
worthy  of  consideration." 

"  On  the  contrary,"  interposed  the  general,  "  I  believe 
it  entirely  feasible,  so  mucli  so  in  fact  that  I  can  hardly 
conceive  why  it  should  not  have  been  thought  of  long 
before  this. 

"  Why,  do  you  know,  Governor,  that  during  the  late 
civil  war  in  America,  the  balloon  was  extensively  used 
by  the  Federals,  and  I  very  well  remember  that 
shortly  after  the  battle  of  Antietam,  when  we  were 
camped  in  the  rear  of  Shepardstown  on  the  Virginia 
shore  of  the  Potomac,  scarcely  a  day  passed  that  a 
balloon  was  not  seen  high  in  air." 

"A  capital  target  I'll  warrant,"  suggested  the  gov- 
ernor. 

"Well  as  to  that,"  continued  the  general,  "our  boys 
often  tried  a  shot,  but  the  distance  and  elevation  were 
both  too  great,  so  I  don't  think  one  ever  took  effect. 
However,  to  come  to  the  point,  a  great  many  aerial  voy- 
ages have  been  attempted  in  various  portions  of  the 
world,  usually  attended  with  c6m})lete  success ;  thou- 
sands of  leagues  traversed,  extensive  additions  to  science 
made  thereby.  Now,  Governor,  I  believe  we  can  do  the 
same,  and  why  not?  We  have  looms  for  weaving  the 
cloth,  means  for  generating  hydrogen  gas,  hemp  for 
cordage,  and  what  is  more,  lots  of  grit.  Furthermore, 
everything  heretofore  attempted  has  been  achieved.  I 
say,  let's  try  the  scheme. 

"  All  right,"  answered  his  friend,  "  I  see  no  harm  in 
trying,  as  should  failure  follow,  there  will  be  little  lost. 
So  I'll  confer  with  Sparks — yet  stay,  you  had  better 
attend  to  the  affair,  being  more  familiar  with  its  work- 
ings." 


THE    FUTURE   WELFARE   OF   THE   COLONY.  403 

Taking  time  by  tlie  forelock  and  the  governor  at  his 
word,  the  general  took  occasion  to  visit  Sparks,  whom 
he  found  as  usual  busy  with  some  new  invention. 
Breaking  in  upon  him  quite  abruptly,  scarcely  waiting 
to  knock  at  the  door  or  to  be  told  to  come  in,  the 
general  at  once  broached  the  subject,  greatly  to  the 
astonishment  of  his  hearer,  who  was  loth  to  believe  the 
air  could  be  navigated.  However,  upon  the  plan  being 
laid  before  him,  accompained  by  the  assurance  that  the 
question  of  ballooning  was  no  longer  an  experiment  but 
an  actual  fact,  he  agreed  to  do  his  best  by  following  out 
the  general's  suggestions.  So  the  work  was  at  once 
taken  in  hand. 

It  may  be  of  interest  in  this  connection  to  state  that 
some  three  years  previous,  a  plant  bearing  a  striking 
resemblance  to  cotton  had  been  discovered  in  a  wild 
uncultivated  portion  of  the  island,  which  by  successful 
propagation  had  developed  an  excellent  substitute,  if  not 
the  real -article  itself. 

Upon  this  fact  becoming  a  surety,  steps  were  taken  to 
utilize  the  plant  in  the  way  of  goods  more  suitable  and 
better  adapted  to  the  climate  than  those  of  woolen  here- 
tofore worn.  To  which  end  apparatus  was  designed  for 
separating  the  seeds  from  the  fibre,  spinning  Jennys  and 
looms  invented,  all  of  which  were  now  set  in  motion. 

The  most  skilled  and  rapid  seamstresses  were  set  to 
work  sewing  the  long  seams,  while  others  devoted  their 
time  to  cordage.  Saltpetre  or  nitre  abounded  in  portions 
of  the  island.  Meantime  the  skill  of  the  learned  gov- 
ernor being  brought  to  bear,  acids  were  produced  there- 
■from  whicli  in  combination  with  iron  filings,  gas  in 
unlimited  supply  was  generated.  Yet  the  stern  fact 
could  not  be  overlooked  that  the  construction  of  an  aerial 
machine  of  the  size  and  quality  required  in  unskilled 
hands  must  from  necessity  involve  an  undertaking  of 
unwonted  magnitude.  However  by  persevering  applica- 
tion, accompanied  by  many  discouragments  and  puzzlings 
of  the  brain,  it  at  length  became  an  accomplished  fact. 


404  THE   FUTURE   WELFARE   OF   THE   COLONY. 

Leaving  our  island  friends  for  a  time,  we  now  return 
to  those  in  whom  we  are  for  the  moment  the  most  in- 
terested, at  their  distant  American  homes. 

The  war  of  the  rebellion  was  ended,  the  famous 
Appomatox  apple-tree  witnessing  the  surrender  of  the 
Confederate  forces,  the  volunteer  soldiers  had  returned 
to  their  long  neglected  families,  slavery  was  abolished, 
the  South  reconstructed  on  the  basis  of  liberty  and 
equality  and  the  wheels  of  progress  again  set  in  motion 
with  several  new  spokes  added. 

However,  the  interest  of  the  story  now  mainly  centres 
in  those  characters  who  have  remained  with  us  from  the 
beginning,  notably  Carrie  Foster,  whose  career  of  use- 
fulness as  a  Confederate  spy  ended  on  that  fateful  morn- 
ing when  her  lover,  Cyril  Blanchard,  stood  on  the  brink 
of  the  grave,  but  a  single  step  lying  between  him  and 
eternity.  She  had  retired  to  her  old  home  at  Mont- 
gomery, where  she  remained  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  quiet 
if  not  especially  agreeable  life,  until  the  close  of  the  war, 
when  Blanchard  returning,  they  were  soon  married, 
ever  after,  as  is  presumed,  living  happily. 

The  widow  Steele  has  long  and  grievously  mourned 
the  loss  of  her  son  Duke  and  daughter  Nelly,  the  dear- 
est of  all  on  earth  to  her.  Though  quite  aged,  she  still 
survives  in  the  hope  of  once  more  meeting  them  ere 
death  shall  have  set  its  seal  on  ber  wrinkled  brow. 

The  Baxter  estates,  having  fallen  into  good  and  trust- 
worthy hands,  have  largely  increased  in  value,  the  net 
proceeds  therefrom  being  placed  in  a  local  bank  for  safe 
keeping  against  the  return  of  the  rightful  owners,  though 
it  is  safe  to  say  it  will  without  doubt  be  a  long  time,  if 
ever,  ere  they  appear  to  lay  claim  thereto,  in  which 
event  the  State  will  probably  be  called  upon  to  admin- 
ister the  afifairs  of  the  large  and  rapidly  augmenting 
properties. 

Meantime  our  old  friend,  the  Richmond  lawyer,  the 
Hon.  John  Richardson,  believing  it  not  only  for  his  own 
welfare  but  to  the  interest  of  the  community  at  large 
&9  well,  has  taken  to  himself  a  wife,  from  which  fact,  it 


TRIAL  OF  THE  BALLOONS.  405 

is  commonly  expected  the  future  census  enumerator's 
labor  will  be  in  no- wise  lessened.  While  sorely  grieved 
to  be  compelled  to  give  Nelly  up  to  the  keeping  of 
General  Duke  Steele,  he  was  comforted  by  the  thought 
that  she  had  fallen  into  good  hands. 


CHAPTER  LIX. 

TRIAL  OF  THE   BALLOONS. 

WE  took  leave  of  our  island  friends  when  in  active 
preparation  for  the  trial  trip  of  the  great  air 
ship,  and  as  all  was  now  in  readiness,  the  day  set  for 
the  inflating,  as  also  the  hour  for  ascension,  an  event 
naturally  drawing  together  the  whole  people  to  witness 
this  truly  wondrous  affair,  the  art  of  sailing  in  mid  air. 
"For"  said  they,  "as  navigating  the  waters  has  proved 
an  utter  failure,  will  that  of  the  air  prove  less  so?" 
Anyhow  the  attempt  was  to  be  made,  the  outcome  de- 
termined. 

So  at  the  hour  of  four,  on  a  bright  summer  afternoon, 
not  a  cloud  dimming  the  azure  vault  of  heaven,  nor 
scarcely  a  breath  of  air  stirring,  the  huge  globe  was  in- 
flated to  its  full  capacity.  The  governor,  accompanied 
by  his  friend  the  general,  was  to  make  the  preliminary 
venture,  for,  as  the  latter  remarked,  "having  been  the 
prime  mover  in  the  scheme,  should  disaster  follow,  I  am 
the  one  to  suffer," 

"And  I  the  one  to  share  it,"  observed  the  governor. 
So  bidding  a  cheerful  good-bye  to  anxious  friends  and  the 
large  crowd  of  wondering  spectators,  the  two  of&cials 
were  soon  seated  in  the  light  wicker  basket  swinging 
underneath.  The  signal  was  given  to  cut  loose,  when 
the  balloon  majestically  rose  in  its  upward  flight,  ascend- 
ing to  a  height  of  several  hundred  feet,  followed  by  the 
enthusiastic  cheers  and  wondering  exclamations  of  the 
onlookers  beneath. 


406  TRIAL  OF  THS  BALLOONS. 

Owing  to  the  stillness  of  the  atmosphere,  the  ascen- 
sion was  nearly  perpendicular,  the  balloon  descending 
after  an  hour's  sailing  not  more  than  half  a  mile  away. 
Upon  again  reaching  the  earth,  the  voyagers  meantime 
having  ascended  to  an  altitude  whereby  objects  were 
brought  distinctly  to  view,  not  less  than  a  hundred  miles 
distant,  reported  smoke  rising  from  out  the  sea,  pre- 
sumably from  an  ocean  steamer,  a  fact  tending  to  much 
encouragement,  as  under  favorable  conditions  a  vessel  of 
like  character  might  be  intercepted. 

The  aeronauts  were  naturally  overjoyed  at  the  signal 
success  attending  this  first  attempt,  more  especially  the 
general,  who  believed  he  now  saw  a  way  out  of  the 
difficulties  heretofore  lying  in  the  path  of  reaching  the 
banks  of  the  Eappahannock.  Still  there  could  be  little 
doubt  that  the  governor's  desires  were  more  strongly 
enlisted  in  his  friend's  behalf  than  his  own.  However, 
they  were  both  enthusiastic  when  describing  the  aerial 
adventure,  notably  the  beauties  of  land  and  ocean. 
Brought  to  view  from  the  height  attained  were  the  dis- 
tant islands,  the  home  of  their  unscrupulous  foe,  the 
cannibal  heathen,  who  on  so  many  occasions  had  at- 
tempted their  overthrow  by  force  of  numbers  and  savage 
stratagem. 

As  the  working  of  the  aerial  machine  had  proved  en- 
tirely satisfactory  on  the  first  trial,  it  was  unanimously 
resolved  a  voyage  out  to  sea  should  be  undertaken  forth- 
with. Accordingly  a  light  car  was  fashioned  in  form 
and  structure  similar  to  a  boat,  of  strength  and  capacity 
equal  to  sustaining  a  considerable  burden,  so  that  in  the 
event  of  some  sudden  or  unlooked  for  casualty,  they 
would  be  enabled  to  ride  in  comparative  safety  over  the 
waters.  There  was  also  to  be  taken  material  for  gener- 
ating hydrogen  gas  on  board  ship  (should  success  attend 
their  efforts  in  reaching  the  deck  of  a  vessel,)  thus 
assuring  their  return  to  their  island  home. 

Meantime,  the  governor  was  entertaining  a  secret 
hope  of  reaching  Perkins  Island  in  which  event  he 
would  set  about  measures  looking  to  the  transporting 


TRIAL  OF   THE   BALLOONS.  407 

thither  a  number  of  his  people  for  the  purpose  of  col- 
onizing those  beautiful  shores  whereon  three  of  the  hap- 
piest years  of  his  life  had  been  spent,  the  scene  also  of 
Caesar's  renowned  exploits.  However  of  this  project  he 
said  nothing,  not  a  hint  even  to  his  wife  Bessie,  and 
were  the  truth  known,  he  was  more  fully  bent  on  the 
carrying  out  of  this  scheme  than  upon  a  return  to 
America. 

Arrangements  for  the  contemplated  lengthy  aerial 
voyage  were  new  pushed  with  vigor  and  not  a  little  en- 
thusiasm on  the  part  of  the  general.  Nothing  that 
could  be  thought  of  was  wanting  to  assure  both  safety 
and  comfort. 

To  make  the  structure  still  more  complete,  its  entire 
surface  was  covered  with  a  thin  transparent  coating  of 
an  adhesive  gum  completely  filling  the  pores  of  the  finely 
woven  cloth,  thus  avoiding  the  escape  of  the  lighter  air 
within,  while  provisions  of  good  quality  and  sufficient 
in  quantity,  together  with  a  generous  supply  of  extra 
wraps  and  a  powerful  telescope,  were  placed  on  board. 
The  governor,  his  attached  friend  Joshua  and  General 
Steele  were  the  aeronauts. 

A  change  in  that  respect  however,  was  at  the  last 
minute  decided  upon,  for  the  governor,  who  had  intended 
to  accompany  his  friends,  in  fact  had  fully  decided  to 
do  so,  was  at  length  prevailed  upon  to  desist  from  what 
his  wife  Bessie  termed  "  a  most  hazardous  if  not  an  un- 
wise undertaking." 

The  general's  wife  Nelly  also  entertained  secret  mis- 
givings as  to  the  result,  but  being  made  of  sterner  stuff 
than  her  sister-in-law,  finally  gave  reluctant  consent  to  a 
scheme  fraught  with  so  many  dangers. 

Again  the  inflated  balloon  swung  at  its  moorings,  the 
neatly  constructed  car  supported  by  overhanging  nettings 
swinging  beneath. 

The  appointed  hour  had  at  length  arrived,  many 
anxious  glances  being  cast  around  the  sky  by  both  friends 
and  spectators  of  those  about  to  jeopardize  their  lives  in 
what  was  deemed  by  some  a  rash  venture,  more  cape- 


408  TRIAL   OF   THE   BALLOONS. 

cially,  as  during  the  last  half  hour  threatening  clouds 
were  observed  rising  in  the  west,  and  should  a  tempest 
follow,  or  a  high,  wind  even,  the  situation  of  the  mid  air 
voyagers  would  become  perilous  in  the  extreme.  Yet  as 
the  general  urged,  "  I  have  passed  through  so  many 
trying  scenes  during  my  life  and  come  off  victorious  that 
to  allow  myself  to  become  faint  hearted  and  abandon  an 
enterprise  on  which  I  have  set  my  heart  would  be,  to  say 
the  least,  foolish," 

In  the  meantime  Joshua  had  climbed  up  and  taken  a 
seat  in  the  car,  meantime  the  general  bidding  good-bje, 
and  good  cheer  to  his  tearful  Nelly  and  other  loved 
friends,  was  now  about  to  ascend  to  the  side  of  his  com- 
panion, when  on  a  sudden,  a  blast  of  wind  struck  the 
balloon  tearing  it  from  its  fastenings,  when  with  frightful 
velocity  it  ascended  upward  and  outward  to  the  sea,  and 
ere  the  frightened  spectators  could  well  realize  the  per- 
ilous situation  of  their  unfortunate  friend,  the  great  air 
ship  had  completely  disappeared  in  the  fast  gathering 
gloom  and  darkness  of  the  approaching  storm. 

Two  months  later,  the  Hon.  James  Carew,  standing 
on  a  Liverpool  dock,  became  the  sole  witness  of  the 
arrival  of  a  large  ocean  vessel  from  foreign  parts. 

He  gave  the  subject,  however,  no  farther  thought  un- 
til on  the  following  morning,  when  in  quiet  enjoyment 
of  an  after- breakfast  cigar,  he  was  comfortably  seated  in 
the  reading-room  of  his  hotel,  complacently  looking 
over  the  files  of  the  daily  papers,  his  eye  chanced  to  rest 
on  the  subjoined  paragraph. 

"  The  staunch  ship  Northumberland  reached  her  dock 
yesterday  afternoon  from  an  uncommonly  long  and 
tempestuous  voyage.  Immediately  upon  being  notified 
of  her  arrival,  our  naval  reporter  called  on  the  captain, 
who  related  the  following  most  singular  occurrence 
which  we  give  to  our  readers  in  his  own  words.  Said  he  : 

*"  When  making  fair  headway  in  a  certain  latitude  of 
the  Southern  hemisphere,  the  lookout  stationed  at  the 


TRIAL   OF   THE   BALLOONS,  409 

toast  head,  descried  a  strange  object  floating  on  the 
Btarboard  tack  and  at  some  distance  away.  The  sailor 
calling  me  and  drawing  my  attention  thereto,  I  at  once 
ordered  the  ship  '  hove  to,'  a  boat  lowered  and  dispatched 
toward  the  object  indicated,  which  reached,  proved  to 
be  a  collapsed  balloon,  to  which  was  attached  a  small 
boat. 

'"Within  the  boat  was  found  lying  prone  on  his  back, 
his  face  upturned  to  the  sky,  a  human  being  apparently 
some  thirty  years  of  age.  At  the  first  glance  I  believed 
life  to  have  fled,  but  upon  close  examination  he  was 
found  still  breathing.  The  stranded  balloon,  together 
with  its  strange  occupant,  was  at  once  conveyed  to  the 
ship  and  restoratives  applied,  when  the  nearly  lifeless 
being  partially  regained  consciousness,  though  remaining 
in  a  thoroughly  dazed  condition. 

"  '  It  would  seem  probable  that  from  long  continued  ex- 
posure and  fasting,  combined  with  untold  fright  conse- 
quent upon  his  perilous  situation,  his  senses  have  com- 
pletely deserted  him,  as  he  is  wholly  unable  to  give  the 
least  account  of  himself,  in  short  his  condition  seemed 
to  be  that  of  a  hopeless  lunatic.  His  emaciated  appear- 
ance suggests  the  idea  that  he  had  been  imprisoned  in 
the  balloon-attached  boat,  buffeted  by  wind  and  wave, 
for  several  days,  possibly  weeks,  the  victim  of  starvation, 
as  there  are  no  signs  of  either  food  or  drink,  in  which 
event  his  sufferings  must  have  been  severe  and  greatly 
prolonged. 

*' '  Upon  searching  his  clothing,  a  most  singular  docu- 
ment was  revealed,  telling  about  a  lost  colony  whose 
history  extends  back  for  the  long  period  of  two  hundred 
years,  proof  of  which,  if  indeed  such  were  wanting,  found 
in  his  ancient  style  of  dress,  none  other  than  of  the  Pil- 
grim Fathers  of  1620.' 

"  For  lack  of  space  to  give  a  full  and  detailed  account 
of  this  people  as  outlined  in  the  document  in  question, 
we  will  merely  state  its  general  features " 

and  thereupon  in  a  few  words  the  entire  history  of  the 


410  TRIAL   OF   THE   BALLOONS. 

lost  colony  was  given  from  its  foundation  up  to  tlie 
launching  of  the  balloon. 

Casting  the  paper  to  one  side  and  starting  to  his  feet 
the  Hon.  James  Carew  took  his  departure,  proceeding 
in  haste  to  the  dock,  where  was  moored  the  great  ship, 
preparatory  to  unloading  her  cargo  of  merchandise. 

Climbing  on  deck,  he  was  met  by  the  guard  who,  in 
reply  to  the  question  said : 

"  The  captain,  sor,  has  gone  ashore.  Would  ye's  be 
wishin  to  see  him?"  Upon  receiving  a  reply  in  the 
affirmative,  he  continued,  "But  I  think,  sor,  he'll  be  after 
returnin  almost  immediately.  Plase,  sor,  would  ye's  be 
after  takin  a  sate,  in  the  cabin?  " 

"Thanks,"  replied  Mr.  Carew,  "I  will  do  so  and  await 
the  captain's  return.  By  the  way,  you  have  as  I  un- 
derstand a  young  man  picked  up  at  sea  under  rather 
peculiar  circumstances." 

"Aye,  aye,  troth  an  we  have,  sor.  Poor  mon,hewos 
in  a  deplorable  condition  when  first  discovered,  as  I 
ought  to  know,  being  one  of  the  byes  who  helped  him 
on  board,  me  and  the  Bosun,  sor," 

"  He  is  an  imbecile,  is  he  not?  "  inquired  Mr.  Carew. 

"  Well,  sor,  whatever  that  may  mane,  he  don't  seem  to 
know  mooch,  and  that's  the  fact,  but  sor,  perhaps  yee's 
be  a  friend." 

"  No,  I've  neither  seen  the  young  man  nor  heard  of 
him  before,  nevertheless  I  feel  a  deep  interest  in  his  wel- 
,fare,  especially  since  reading  about  the  affair  in  the 
morning  paper." 

At  the  close  of  the  last  sentence,  the  captain  of  the 
Northumberland  came  on  deck,  to  whom  Mr.  Carew  was 
introduced  by  the  sailor  in  the  words  :  "This  gentleman 
would  loike  to  spake  wid  ye,  consarning  the  poor  mon 
picked  up  at  sea,  sor." 

"Aye,  aye,  sir,"  responded  the  captain.  "  Poor  man 
indeed !  would  you  like  to  see  him,  sir?  " 

Upon  Mr.  Carew  giving  the  assurance  that  this  was 
the  object  which  drew  him  on  board,  the  captain  at 
once  led  the  way   to  the  young  man's  berth,  where  he 


TRIAL   OF   THE   BALLOOJfS.  411 

was  found  lying  in  a  nearly  unconscious  state,  pitying 
not  the  least  attention  to  his  visitors. 

His  face  was  pale  and  haggard,  his  eye  expressionless, 
his  every  appearance  suggestive  of  intense  physical 
suffering  combined  with  mental  anguish. 

After  several  attempts  at  conversation,  hoping  there- 
by to  engage  the  attention  of  the  young  stranger,  all 
however,  proving  futile,  the  generous  minded  captain 
invited  his  guest  to  accompany  him  to  the  cabin  where 
a  bottle  of  rum,  together  with  a  bundle  of  choice  cigars 
was  placed  before  him,  with  the  hope  he  would  make 
himself  comfortable.  Meanwhile  the  captain  volunteered 
a  relation  of  the  several  incidents  of  the  voyage  as  pre- 
viously detailed  in  the  newspaper  article. 

Upon  conclusion  of  the  captain's  story,  Mr.  Carew 
said : 

"  I  would  suggest  the  propriety  of  having  placed  at  my 
disposal  the  manuscript  found  on  the  person  of  Joshua, 
in  whicb  event,  I  will,  with  the  least  possible  delay,  take 
steps  looking  to  its  publication,  for  the  purpose  not  only 
of  gratifying  a  very  natural  desire  of  the  public  to  learn 
more  of  this  singular  people,  but  also  that  the  living 
descendents  of  friends  and  relatives  of  the  colonists  may 
thereby  become  cognizant  of  their  fate,  now  known  only 
through  fireside  traditionary  tales." 

The  captain  of  the  Northumberland  seemed  dis- 
posed to  demur  at  the  proposal  when  first  broached. 
Yet  upon  reflection,  accompanied  by  the  applicant 
agreeing  in  good  faith  to  take  charge  of  the  demented 
Joshua,  providing  for  all  future  needs,  not  only  for  his 
comfort  but  also  looking  to  his  ultimate  recovery,  assent 
was  finally  given,  the  documentary  history  turned  over 
to  Mr.  Carew,  who  it  is  needless  to  say,  was  quite  over- 
joyed at  gaining  possession  of  a  narrative  of  such  ines- 
timable value.  At  the  same  time,  he  could  well  aftbrd 
to  charge  himself  with  the  care  and  expense,  especially 
the  latter,  for  he  was  in  no  wise  lacking  in  means  and 
would  cheerfully  have  advanced  a  large  sum  in  addition, 
indeed,   did   beg   the  captain    to  accept    remuneration 


412  TRIAL   OF   THE   BALLOONS. 

therefore.  But  the  generous  hearted  officer  refused  all 
compensation,  acknowledging  however,  it  to  be  the  most 
astounding  revelation  hitherto  recorded. 

Upon  conclusion  of  the  negotiation,  Mr.  Carew  at  once 
took  steps  toward  having  Joshua  conveyed  on  board  an 
outward  bound  steamer,  securing  passage  for  both  him- 
self and  his  unfortunate  companion. 

They  arrived  at  New  York  after  a  speedy  and  un- 
eventful voyage,  thence  by  rail  they  went  to  his  Georgia 
home,  when  as  soon  thereafter  as  arrangements  could  be 
properly  eflfected,  Joshua  was  placed  in  a  neighboring 
asylum,  Mr.  Carew  making  daily  visits  thereto,  thus  as- 
suring himself  that  everything  possible  was  done  tend- 
ing to  his  comfort. 

Meantime  he  took  upon  himself  the  liberty  of  inditing 
a  stirring  letter  to  the  President,  detailing  in  part  the 
thrilling  narrative  as  furnished  by  the  aforesaid  evidence, 
begging  also  that  a  vessel  be  dispatched  in  quest  of  the 
island  community. 

Upon  receipt  of  this  startling  yet  doubtless  truthful 
intelligence,  the  President  taking  time  to  study  the  mat- 
ter over,  finally  laid  the  communication  before  his  cab- 
inet, when  after  a  short  discussion,  it  was  unanimously 
resolved  to  act  on  the  suggestion. 

Accordingly  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  was  duly  in- 
structed  to  prepare  and  dispatch  a  government  vessel  to 
those  remote  seas,  first  arriving  at  Perkins  Island  where 
were  witnessed  evidences  of  its  previous  occupation,  and 
they  little  wondered  when  viewing  the  lovely  surround- 
ings that  Caesar  should  have  been  loath  to  leave  his 
"  beautiful  island  home." 

They  remained  but  a  few  hours,  meantime  taking  on 
board  fresh  water,  also  tropical  fruits  found  in  great 
abundance,  the  outcome  of  the  many  years  of  hard  labor 
performed  by  our  friends,  the  captain,  Herman  and 
Caesar.  Sail  was  again  hoisted,  the  vessel  proceeding 
on  her  way,  ere  long  reaching  the  locality  indicated  as 
the  scene  of  so  many  former  disasters. 

Critical  observation  was  here  made,  soundings  in  all 


TRIAL   OF   THE   BALLOONS.  413 

directions  repeatedly  taken  and  every  possible  eflbrt 
put  forth  to  pass  the  boundary  of  opposing  reef  and  rock  ; 
yet  all  without  avail ;  indeed,  it  was  at  one  time  feared 
their  own  vessel  must  inevitably  succumb  to  the  mighty 
power  of  nature's  forces,  as  here  displayed.  Yet  the 
hazardous  scheme  would  not  be  given  up  until  the  peril 
became  so  great  it  was  deemed  best  to  forego  any  further 
attempt. 

Thus  the  object  sought  for,  attended  with  so  much 
anxious  solicitude,  combined  with  the  utmost  engineering 
skill,  was  reluctantly  abandoned  and  the  prow  home- 
ward turned,  the  island  community  remaining  as  hereto- 
fore, "A  Lost  Colony." 


THE   END. 


NEW,  ENLARGED,  AND  COMPLETE  EDITION. 

AUTHOR   OF   "MEISTEK   KAKL'S  SKETCH    BOOK." 

WITH  PORTRAIT  and  AUTOGRAPH  OF  THE  AUTHOR 


ilasrs.  T.  B.  Peterson  &  Brothers,  of  Philadelphia,  have  just  published  a  new.  comf 
plete  and  elegant  edition  of  "Hans  Breitmann's  Ballads,"  with  a  Portrait  of  "Mans 
Breitmann,"  as  well  as  a  Portrait  and  Autograph  of  the  Author,  Charles  G.  Ldand, 
Esq.  It  comprises  all  the  Ballads  ever  written  by  Mans  Breitmann,  fifty-six  in  all. 
containing  his  entire  five  books,  viz. :  "Mans  Brcitmann's  Party  ;  with  Other  Ballads, 
"Mans  Breitmann  About  Town ;  and  Other  Ballads,"  "Mans  Breitmann  in  Church; 
and  Other  Ballads,"  "Mans  Breitmann  as  an  Uhlan;  with  Other  New  Ballads,"  and 
** Mans  Breitmann  in  Europe ;  with  Other  New  Ballads,"  being  the  "First,"  "Second," 
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Leland's  humorous  Ballad  of  "Mans  Breitmann' s  Party"  first  made  its  appearance ; 
'ind  now  that  all  his  Ballads  are  in  one  volume,  it  will  be  tvelcomed  with  renewed 
pleasure.     The  humor  of  Leland^s  volume  is  well  expressed  in  the  opening  ballad: 

"Mans  Breitmann  gife  a  barty — dey  had  biano-blayin. ; 
I  felled  in  lofe  mil  a  jlfericanfrau,  her  name  was  Madilda  Yane. 
She  hat  haar  as  prown  ash  a  pretzel,  her  eyes  vas  himmel-plue, 
Vnd  ven  dey  looket  indo  mine,  dey  shplit  mine  heart  in  two." 

The  fertility  of  Leland's  imagination  was  very 
great.  Ballad  after  ballad  with  ividely  varied  themes 
and  changing  character  were  throicn  ofi'  with  easy 
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relish  for  the  comic,  that  rough  but  kindly  bojihom- 
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on  looking  through  a  volume  like  this  that  one  gets 
an  idea  of  how  much  work  and  what  good  work 
the  author  has  done.  Mr.  Leland  is  a  master  of 
dialect,  a  specialist,  so  to  speak,  and  the  jargon  in 
which  he  writes  has  a  positive  value  as  a  philo' 
logical  study.  As  a  result.  Mans  Breitmann  hat 
become  a  classical  figure,  and  his  Ballads  are  well 
worthy,  for  their  wit,  wisdom  and  pathos,  of  the 
elega7it  and  enduring  form  in  which  they  are  now 
presented  to  the  public,  and  they  will  continue  to  be 
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incidents,  upon  which  some  of  them  were  founded, 
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America's  Greatest  Actor. 


LIFE  OF  EDWIN  FORREST 

BY  JAMES  REES  (COLLEY   GIBBER). 


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Father  Tom  and  the  pope 

01, 

A  NIGHT  AT  THE  VATICAN. 


With.  Illustrative  Engravings  of  the  scenes  that  took  plao« 
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perhaps  for  this  country,  where  the  Irish  brogue,  Irish  humor,  and  Irish  technical 
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"  Father  Tom  goes  to  Rome ;  he  is  a  Romish  Priest  from  Ireland,  and  in  Rome^ 
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more  accustomed  to  something  stronger  and  warmer,  complains  of  the  drink,  and 
greatly  to  the  disgust  of  the  Pope  produces  a  bottle  of  the  'rale  stuff'  from  his  coat 
pocket.  His  Holiness  rebukes  hira  for  bringing  his  own  licpior  when  coming  to 
dine  with  the  prince  of  princes,  but  catching  a  whiff  of  the  whiskey  across  the 
table,  asks  for  the  battle,  brings  it  to  his  blessed  nose,  and  exclaims,  'Holy  Virgin  I 
but  it  has  the  divine  smell  1' 

"After  this  the  Pope  and  Father  Tom  have  a  good  time  generally ;  the  Priest 
produces  another  bottle  from  another  pocket ;  calls  for  the  housekeeper  to  bring  the 
'matarials'  to  brew  a  punch ;  she  comes ;  a  comely  damsel ;  and  then  occurs  a  scene 
that  introduces  as  keen  a  satire  on  one  of  the  dogmas  of  Rome  as  was  ever  made^ 
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De 


OLAI: 


THE 


LAST  OF  THE  MILITARY  GRAND  MASTERS  OF  THE 
ORDER  OF  TEMPLAR  KNIGHTS. 

BY     EIDIMZXJND    FX^i^G-G-, 

^KGINIA,    A   TEMPLAR    KNIGHT,    AND   AUTHOR   OP   "  THB   PRIME    MINISTER,"    "tHE   BRIGAN»," 

"the   MARTYR-STODKNT,"    "MARION   DB  LORME,"    "  LUCY  ASHLIN,"    "  THB    FAR  WEST," 

"the  HOWARD  QUEEN,"  "  THE  NORTH-WEST,"    "  SKETCHES  OP  A  TRAVELLER," 

"the    DUCHESS   OF    FERARA,"     "VENICE:    THE    CITY   OF   THB  SKA," 

"BEATRICE    OF    PADUA,"   "  GABRIELLB    DB     VERGI,"     ETC. 


"Z'tf  Molai :  the  Last  of  the  Military  Grand  Masters  of  the  Order  of  Tempcmh 
Knights"  is  a  powerful,  picturesque  and  absorbing  novel  of  the  Fourteenth  Century, 
historical  in  character  and  crowded  with  info?-mation  conveyed  in  the  most  pleasing 
manner.  The  scene  is  laid  principally  in  Paris,  and  the  theme  is  the  suppression 
of  the  Order  of  Knights  Templar  by  Philip  the  Fourth  of  France.  Throughout  the 
romance  towers  the  commanding  form  of  yacques  de  Molai,  the  noble  old  warrior^ 
monk,  who  was  ready  to  bear  the  tortures  of  the  Inquisition,  and  even  to  suffer  mar- 
tyrdom at  the  stake,  for  the  cause  of  the  persecuted  Order  of  which  he  was  the  chief. 
A  complete  history  of  the  Knights  Templar  is  given,  which  will  be  found  of  great 
value  and  interest  by  the  Masonic  Fraternity  as  7vell  as  by  the  general  reader.  The 
descriptions  of  old  Paris  and  of  the  abbeys  and  castles  of  that  day  are  vividly  and 
vigorously  drawn.  The  loves  of  Blanche  of  Artois  and  Adrian  de  Marigni  are  set 
forth  in  glowing  style,  and  the  narrative  of  the  disappointed  affections  of  sweet  Marie 
Morfontaine  is  replete  with  tender  pathos.  Blanche's  share  in  the  persecution  of  tht 
Knights  Templar  and  her  untiring  efforts  to  procure  revenge  against  the  Order  form 
an  important  element  of  the  novel,  and  add  effectiveness  to  the  strong  plot.  The 
compact  between  Philip  the  Fourth  and  Bertrand  de  Goth  in  the  Abbey  of  St.  yean 
d" Angely  during  the  thunderstorm  is  a  highly  dramatic  incident,  as  is  also  Marie 
Morfontaine' s  discovery  of  Adrian's  treachery,  while  the  scene  in  Notre  Dame  in 
which  the  Grand  Master  figures  so  conspicuously  is  intensely  exciting.  The  political 
intrigues  of  the  king  and  the  Poman  Pontiff  claim  a  large  share  of  attention,  as  als0 
do  the  flirtations  of  the  ladies  of  the  French  court  with  the  noble  gallants  of  the  period, 
luho  were  as  ardent  in  love  as  they  were  bf-ave  in  war.  The  fate  of  Blanche  of 
Artois  is  to  some  extent  a  compensation  for  her  evil  deeds,  and  the  final  dfnouemem 
»f  the  romance  is  a  happy  one.  "De  Molai"  is  undoubtedly  destined  to  become  a 
standard  work  of  permanent  popularity .  It  'will  be  read  with  vast  interest  and  enjoy- 
ment by  all  Templar  Knights,  the  whole  Masonic  Fraternity,  scholars  and  the  public. 


Paper  Cover,  75  Cents.     Morocco  Cloth,  Gilt  and  Black,  $1.50. 


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I  S  H  M  A  E  I 

OR,    IN    THE    DEPTHS. 

BY  MRS.  EMMA  D.  E.  N.  SOUTHWORTP 

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■^g^  Copies  of  "  IS  H MA  EL;  or,  IN  THE  DEPTHS;'  Mrs.  Southworih 
ereattst  work,  or  any  one  or  more  of  "Mrs.  Southworth' s  Works,"  or  a  complete  set  o- 
fMrs.  Southworth's  Works,"  bound  in  inorocco  cloth,  will  be  sent  to  any  erne,  to  a*r 
address,  at  once,  free  of  freight  or  postage,  on  remitting  $i.i,o  for  each  book  wantet 
to  the  Publishers,  T.  B.  Peterson  6^  Brothers,  306  Chestnut  Street,  Philadelphia,  Pi. 

^^Mrs.  Emma  D.  E.  N.  Southworth' s  books  will  be  found  for  sale  by  all  Bcckseile. 
and  News  Agents  everywhere.     Canvassers  wanted  everywhere  to  engage  in  tk^^  sak. 

f^^ Booksellers,  News  Agents  and  Canvassers  will  be  supplied  at  very  low  raUSj  a»i 
they  will  please  send  in  their  orders  at  once  to  the  publishers, 

T.  B.  PETERSON  &  BROTHERS,  Philadelpl&ftm  FN 

^^t/tty  will  receive  immedUit*  snd fr«m^  ^itett^i^ 


^mxna  ]>•  E.  N.  Southworth's  Obn&plete  "Worisft. 

UTHWORTH'S  WORKS 

COMPLETE  IN   FORTY-THREE   VOLUMES. 

nXSa  It  IK  ONE  LABGB  DDODECIMO  VOLrUB,  CLOTH,  OILT,  AT  (1.50  EACH,  OB  $64.60  A  SR 

€bvIw  of  aaj  one  or  all  will  be  sent  to  aay  one,  post-paid,  oa  receipt  of  remittiawi. 


Jfrt.  Southworth's  works  have  hecorne  very  pof^ar,  and  they  have  great  tHeriii  as  fiction, /tr  sMi 
^tu  %ttritten  many  rood  noveh/or  the  fireside,  and  furnished  an  amazing  fund  of  pure  and  healthy 
9n/ertai»>nent  to  thousands  of  readers  that  have  been,  and  to  many  thousands  tnore  to  come.  Tii4 
freat  se<fret  of  her  hold  upon  her  readers  is,  after  her  invtnii^ie  genius,  in  framing  the  plots  of  her 
stories,  and  in  the  brisk  and  imde-awake  manner  in  which  ail  the  details  are  executed.  There  is  n* 
time  for  listlessness,  every  moT'ement  is  animated ;  and  she  is  noi  only  a  popular  and  entertaining 
author,  but  a  moral  one,  as  she  inculcates  propriety ,  both  by  precept  and  by  the  example  of  her 
characters,  ivhich  are  calculated  to  dt  good  to  all  readers,  tier  Works  should  be  read  by  ail.,  for 
there  is  not  a  dull  line  in  any  of  them.,  and  they  are  full  of  thrilling  and  startling  interest.  Her 
characters  are  drawn  with  a  strong  hand,  and  actually  appear  tt,  live  and  move  before  us.  Prob. 
ably  no  lurker,  man  or  woman,  in  America,  is  as  popular ,  or  has  Sit  wide  a  circle  of  readers  as  'tat 
Mrs.  Southworth.  Her  stories  are  always  full  of  thrilling  interest  to  lovers  of  the  sensatiotuil , 
*ndfor  literary  merit  they  rank  far  above  the  works  of  any  author  <;•-  authoress  of  works  of  their 
tMss.  Mrs.  Southworth' s  stories  have  won  their  high  place  by  her  ability,  and  anything  wUh  whict 
tifr  name  is  identified  is  certain  to  meet  with  hearty  approval.      The  following  are  their  names. 

LIST  OF  MRS.   SOUTHWORTH'S  WORKS. 

Ishmael ;  or,  In  the  Depths.  Being  "  Self-Made." 

Self-Raised  ;  or,  From  the  Depths.    Sequel  to  "  IshmaeL" 

TLe  Fortune  Seeker.  The  Fatal  Marriage. 

The  Lost  Heiress.  The  Deserted  Wife. 

Tried  for  Her  Life.  Love's  Labor  Won. 

Cruel  as,  the  Grave.  A  Noble  Lord. 

The  Maiden  Widow.  ^e  Lost  Heir  of  LinlithgOfKW 

The  Family  Doom.  The  Artist's  Love. 

The  Bride's  Fate.  The  Gipsy  s  Prophecy. 

The  Changed  Bridefc  The  Three  Beauties. 

Fair  Play.  Vivia ;  or,  the  Secret  of  FoWOB 

Hov  He  Won  Her.  The  Two  Sisters. 

Victor's  Triumph.  The  Missimg  Bride. 

A  Beautiful  Fiend.  The  Wife's  Victory. 

The  Spectre  Loverr  The  Mother-in-Law. 

^he  Prince  of  Darknas*  The  Haunted  Homestead* 

The  Christmas  Guest.  The  Lady  of  the  Isle. 

Fallen  Pride.  AUworth  Abbey. 

The  Widow's  Son.  Betribution. 

The  Bride  of  Llewellyn.  The  Curse  of  Cliftonr 

The  Fatal  Secret.  The  Discarded  Daughter. 

The  Bridal  Eve.  The  Mystery  of  Dark  Hollow. 

India ;  Pearl  of  Pearl  Bivfijf.  The  Phantom  Wedding. 

Wb^  Copies  of  any  one  work,  or  more,  or  a  complete  set  of  "Airs.  SouthwortVh 
Vftrks"  -will  be  sent  to  any  one,  to  any  address,  at  once,  free  of  freight  or  postage,  Ht 
remitting  $i.^o  for  each  one  wanted,  to  T.  B.  Peterson  &*  Brothers,  Fhiladetphim,  F«, 

W~  Address  all  orders  and  remittances  to  the  Publishers, 

T.  B.  P£TKRS0:N^  &  BBOTI£ERS,  P]»i]!ad«!|;(ld<%    Pa. 


J9~A  complete  list  will  be  seut  to  any  address,  and  whea  not  to  t>«  bad  of  your  Booksellei^ 
M^!?>pf  ribo  Bent  by  mail,  on  receipt  of  retail  "'"  '"  '"  "  ?eterson  A  ftwOiert,  Pltlla.,  Fa. 


Mrs.  Ann  S.  Ste 


23  Volumes,  at  $1.50  each;  or  $34.50  a  Set. 

T.  B.  PETERSON  &  BROTHERS,  No.  306  Chestnut  Street,  Philadelphia,  Pol^ 
^xejutt  published  an  entire  new,  complete,  and  uniform  edition  of  all  the  works  twj*'» 
fim  by  Mrs.  Ann  S.  Stephens,  the  popular  American  Authoress.  This  edition  is  im, 
Auodeeimo  form,  is  printed  on  the  finest  paper,  is  complete  in  tioenty-three  volumes,  and 
*ach  volume  is  bound  in  morocco  cloth,  library  style,  with  a  full  gilt  bock,  and  is  sold  ji 
the  low  price  of  $1.50  each,  or  $34.50 /or  a  full  and  complete  set  of  the  twenty-three  vol- 
mmes.  Every  Family,  Reading  Club,  and  every  Private  or  Public  Library  in  this 
oountry,  should  have  in  it  a  complete  set  of  this  new  and  beautiful  edition  of  the 
works  of  Mrs.  Ann  S.  Stephens.    T/ie  following  are  the  names  of  the  volumes  : 

FASHION  AND  FAMINE.  THE  REiGNING  BELLE. 

BERTHA'S  ENGAGEMENT.  MARRIED  IN  HASTE. 

BELLEHOOD  AND  BONDAGE;  or,  Bought  with  a  Price. 

LORD  HOPE'S  CHOICE;  or,  More  Secrets  Than  OnA. 
THE  OLD  COUNTESS.    Sequel  to  "Lord  Hope's  Choice." 
RUBY  GRAY'S  STRATEGY;  or.  Married  by  Mistake. 

PALACES  AND  PRISONS;  or,  The  Prisoner  of  the  Basfilft. 
A  NOBLE  WOMAN  ;  or,  A  Gulf  Between  Them. 
THE  CURSE  OF  GOLD ;  or,  The  Bound  Girl  and  The  Wife's  Trials. 
MABEL'S  MISTAKE ;  or.  The  Lost  Jewels. 

THE  OLD  HOMESTEAD  ;  or,  The  Pet  of  the  Poor  Houvt, 
THE  REJECTED  WIFE;  or.  The  Ruling  Passion. 
SILENT  STRUGGLES;  or,  Barbara  Stafford.    ATaJe  of  WUohcraft 
THE  HEIRESS;  or,  The  Gipsy's  L^jpacy. 
THE  WIFE'S  SECRET  ;  or,  GillJeiU 

WIVES  AND  WIDOWS;  or,  th«  Broken  Uf«. 
CXHIBLY  FALSE;  jr,  Alike  and  Not  Alike. 

THE  SOLDIER'S  ORPHANS.  THE  GOLD  BftlCK. 

MARY  DERWENT.  NORSTON'S  BEST. 

fSf" Above  books  are  for  sale  by  all  Booksellers  at  $1.50  tiafh,  or  $34,50  for  a  eomt 
pUte  set  of  the  twenty-three  volumes.  Copies  of  either  one  »'r  more  of  the  above  baoia 
9f  a  aomplete  set  of  them,  will  be  sent  at  once  to  any  one^  to  any  place,  p«tki0i 
prepaid,  or  free  of  freight,  on  remitting  their  price  in  a  letter  t0  the  Pubiu/urtt 

D.  e.  PETERSON  &  BROTHEKS«   Pliilad€lj>ialA»  P*. 


4^A  complete  list  will  be  sent  to  any  address,  and  when  not  to  be  bad  of  joui  BoekseiIe\ 
•■^les  wll]  lie  tent  by  null,  on  receipt  of  retail  price,  by  T.  U,  PetM-son  Jt  Brothwn,  rhil».,  P%, 


MRS.  OAROIINE  LEE  HEHTI'S  WORKS. 

LIBRARY  EDITION,  IN  MOROCCO  CLOTH. 


12  Volumes,  at  Sl-SO  Each;  or  $18.00  a  Set. 


T.  B.  PETERSON  &  BROTHERS,  No.  306  Chestnut  Street,  Phil<u 
delphia,  have  jitst  published  an  entire  new,  complete,  and  uniform  edition  of 
all  the  celebrated  Novels  written  by  the  popular  American  Novelist,  Mrs.  Car- 
oline Lee  Hentz,  in  twelve  large  duodecimo  volumes.  They  are  printed  on  the 
finest  paper,  and  bound  in  the  most  beautiful  style,  in  Green  Morocco  cloth, 
with  a  new,  full  gilt  back,  and  sold  at  the  loio  price  of  $1.60  each,  or  $18.00 
for  a  full  and  complete  set.  Every  Family  ",nd  every  Library  in  this  country, 
should  have  in  it  a  complete  set  of  this  new  .end  beautiful  edition  of  the  works 
of  Mrs.  Caroline  Lee  Hentz.     The  following  is  a  complete  list  of 

MES.  CAROLINE  LEE  HENTZ'S  WORKS. 

LINDA;   OP,  THE   YOUNG    PILOT  OF  THE   BELLE   CREOLE. 

With  a  Complete  Biography  of  Mrs.  Caroline  Lee  Kentz. 

ROBERT  GRAHAM.     A  Sequel  to  "  Linda." 

RENA;  or,  THE  SNOW  BIRD.    A  Tale  of  Real  Life. 

MARCUS  WARLAND ;  or,  The  Long  Moss  Spring. 

ERNEST  LINWOOD  ;  or,  The  Inner  Life  of  the  Author. 

EOLINE;  or,  MAGNOLIA  VALE;  or,  The  Heiress  of  Glenm^re. 

THE  PLANTER'S  NORTHERN  BRIDE  ;  or,  Mrs.  Hentz's  Childhood. 

HELEN  AND  ARTHUR  ;  or,  Miss  Thusa's  Spinning-Wheel. 

COURTSHIP  AND  MARRIAGE;  or.  The  Joys  of  American  Life. 

LOVE  AFTER  MARRIAGE;  and  other  Stories  of  the  Heart. 

THE  LOST  DAUGHTER  ;  and  other  Stories  of  the  Heart. 

THE  BANISHED  SON  ;  and  other  Stories  of  the  Heart. 

^^ Above  Books  are  for  sale  by  all  Booksellers  at  $1.50  each,  or  $18.00  /of 
a  complete  set  of  the  twelve  volumes.  Copies  of  either  one  of  the  above  works,  or 
u  complete  set  of  them,  will  be  sent  at  once  to  any  one,  to  any  place,  postagf 
9Te-paid,  or  free  affreight,  on  remitting  their  price  in  a  letter  to  the  Publishtrs- 

T.  B.  PETERSON  &  BKOTHEKS,  Philadelphia,  P» 


A  oompleto  list  ttIII  b«  sent  to  Any  address,  and  when  not  to  be  bad  of  yo«r  Booksellei> 
irlU  be  Mut  by  u»tl,  on  receiptor  retail  price,  by  T.  B.  Peterson  ft  Brotbers,  rbUa.,  Pm, 


The  Sequel  to  "  The  Count  of  Monte-Crisfe/' 

EDM0ND~DANTE8. 

THE    SEGiXJEL    TO 

Tho  Count  of  Monte-Cristo,  by  Alexander  Dumaa 

*^Edm<md  Dantis,"  the  Sequel  to  Alexander  Dumas'  great  novel,  "  The  Count  of 
Monte- Crista,'^  is  one  of  the  most  wonderful  rotnances  ever  issued,  and  is  published 
only  by  T.  B.  Peterson  &>  Brothers.  It  teems  with  absorbing  interest  throughout,  the 
narrative  dashing  on  from  one  intensely  exciting  incident  to  another  equally  thrilling, 
and  this,  too,  without  the  slightest  pause.  Just  at  the  point  where  "  Ihe  Count  of 
Monte- Cristo"  ends  "Edmond  Dantes"  takes  up  the  thread  of  the  grandly  conceived 
plot  and  develops  at  once  into  a  work  of  rare  power,  thorough  originality  and  irresist- 
ible fascination.  The  volcanic  storm  on  the  Mediterranean,  in  which  the  Alcyon, 
with  Monte-Cristo  and  Haydee  on  board,  is  wrecked,  is  an  extraordinarily  vivid  and 
effective  episode,  while  the  conflict  with  the  brigands  on  the  Island  of  Salmis  and  the 
burning  of  Monte  Crista' s  palace  are  in  the  highest  degree  graphic  and  dramatic. 
Further  on  comes  a  striking  and  minute  account  of  the  French  H evolution  of  1848, 
with  the  fierce  struggles  in  the  Chamber  of  Deputies  and  the  bloody  battles  at  the  bar^ 
ricades  in  the  streets  of  Paris.  The  love  element  is  plentifully  represented  in  the 
romantic  reunion  of  Dantes  and  Merctdh,  Captain  Joliette's  courtship  of  the  myste- 
rious  prima  donna  and  the  telling  scenes  between  Dantes'  daughter,  Zuleika,  and  her 
Italian  admirer,  the  Viscount  Massetti.  The  hero  of  the  charming  novel  is,  of  course, 
Edmond  Dantis,  the  Deputy  from  Marseilles,  who  appears  as  a  politician  laboring 
to  ameliorate  the  condition  of  the  oppressed  classes  of  mankind  and  employing  his  im- 
mense  wealth  to  promote  that  end.  He  takes  a  prominent  part  in  the  Revolution,  his 
co-workers  being  the  foremost  communists  of  that  time,  namely,  Lamartine,  Ledru 
Rollin,  Louis  Blanc,  Artnand  Marrast,  Flocon,  Albert  and  others.  Thiers,  Guizot, 
Odillon  Barrot,  Gefteral  Lamoriciere,  G'neral  Bugeaud  and  other  famous  historical 
characters  are  introduced,  as  2uell  as  Lucien  Debray,  Chateau-Renaud,  Beauchamp, 
Maximilian  Morell,  Albert  de  Morcerf  Valentine  de  Villefort,  Eugenie  Danglars, 
Lottise  d' Armilly  and  Motite- Crista' s  Son,  Espirance,  to  say  nothing  of  Benedetto  and 
AH,  the  Nubian.  But  to  thoroughly  appreciate  the  vast  attractions  of  '^Edmond 
\Dantes,"  the  great  novel  ynust  be  read.  In  addition  to  this  superb  romance,  Peterson^ 
only  original,  complete  and  unabridged  editions  of  the  ^^Monte-Cristo  "  Series  includes 
*'The  Count  of  Monte-Cristo,"  "The  Countess  of  Monte-Cristo,"  "The  Wife  of  Momt*- 
Criste^'  and  "  The  Son  of  Monte-Cristo,"  all  of  which  will  delight  the  reader. 


Paper  Cover,  75  Cents.    Morocco  Cloth,  Gilt  and  Black,  $l.25t 


*  Edmond  Dantes"  the  Sequel  to  "  The  Count  of  Monte-Cristo,'^  will  be  fowti 

fvr  sale  by  all  Booksellers  and  at  all  News  Stands  everywhere,  or  copies  tf  it  will  be 
^  to  any  one,  to  any  place,  at  once,  post-paid,  on  remitting  p7-ice  to  the  publishers, 

T.  B.  PETERSON  &  BROTHERS,  Philadelphia,  F% 


MONTE-CRISTO'S  DAUGHTER 

Petersons'  Editions  of  '* Monte-Cristo   Series,'* 


*    )     mm  >»  * 


HONTE-CRISTO'S  DAUGHTER.  Sequel  to  A/exandtr  Dumas'  Cel* 
brated  Novel  of  "  TAe  Count  of  Monte- Crist o,"  and  Conclusion  of  "EdfttamA 
Dantis"  With  an  Illustrated  Cover,  with  Portrait  of  ^' Monte- Crista' s  Davgkt 
ter,  Zuleika"  on  it.  Every  person  that  has  read  "The  Cottnt  of  A/onte-Crittg* 
should  get  "  Monte -Crista' s  Daughter'"  at  once,  and  read  it.  It  is  complete  * 
one  large  duodecimo  volume,  paper  cover,  pvice  75  cents,  or  ^1.25  in  cloth. 

l(M>MOND  DANTES.  The  Sequel  to  "  The  Count  of  Monte-  Crista,"  by  Akx 
ander  Dumas.  "  Edmond  Dantis"  is  one  of  the  most  wonderful  romances  evej 
issued.  Just  at  the  point  where  "The  Count  of  Monte- Cristo  "  ends,  "Edmonc 
Danth"  takes  up  the  fascinating  narrative  and  continues  it  with  marvellou 
power  and  absorbing  interest  uiito  the  end.  Every  person  that  has  read  "  Th 
Count  of  Monte-Cristo"  should  get  "Edmond  Danth"  at  once,  and  read  it 
Complete  in  one  large  duodecimo  volume,  paper,  price  75  cents,  or  $1.25  in  cloth 

fHE  COUNT  OF  MONTE-CRISTO.  Petersons'  New  Ilhistrat^. 
Edition.  By  Alexander  Dumas.  With  full-page  Engravings,  illustrative  of  va 
rious  scenes  in  the  work.  Petersons^  Edition  of  "The  Count  of  Monte-Cristo' 
is  the  only  Complete  and  Unabridged  Edition  of  it  ever  translated,  and  it  is  ecu 
ceded  by  all  to  be  the  greatest  as  well  as  the  most  exciting  and  best  hisK^ricai 
novel  ever  printed.  Complete  in  one  large  octavo  volume  of  six  hundred  pa»,es 
with  illustrations,  paper  cover,  price  One  Dollar,  or  $1.50  bound  in  morocco  r'^th 

fHE  WIFE  OF  MONTE-CRISTO.  Being  the  Continuation  of  Alex 
ander  Dumas'  Celebrated  Novel  of  "The  Count  of  Monte- Cristo."  With  ap. 
Illustrated  Cover,  with  Portraits  of  "Monte- Cristo^'  "Haydie"  and  their  faiv.ifti'. 
servant,  "AH,"  on  k.  Evejy  person  that  has  read  "The  Count  of  Monte- Cristv' 
shotdd get  "The  Wife  of  Monte-Cristo  "  at  once,  and  read  it.  Complete  in  one 
large  duodecimo  volume,  paper  cover,  price  75  cents,  or  $\.i^  in  cloth. 

IPHE  SON  OF  MONTE-CRISTO.  Bein^  the  Sequel  to  "The  Wife  »J 
Monte-Cristo."  With  an  Illustrated  Cover,  with  Portraits  of  the  heroines  in  the 
l^-ork  on  it.  Every  person  that  has  read  "  The  Count  of  Monte-Cristo  "  or  "Tki 
Wife  of  Monte-Cristo,"  should  get  "The  Son  of  Monte-Cristo"  at  once,  and  rea& 
lit.     One  large  duodecimo  volume,  paper  cover,  price  75  cents,  or  i5>i.25  in  (^otk« 

tmB  COUNTESS  OF  MONTE-CRISTO.  Being  the  Companion  to 
Alexander  Dumas'  Celebrated  Novel  of  "The  Count  of  Monte-Cristo"  anc» 
fully  equal  to  that  world-renowned  novel.  At  the  very  commencement  of  thC 
novel  the  Count  of  Monte  Cristo,  Hayd6e,  the  wife  of  Monte-Cristo,  and  ifispfr 
ranee,  the  son  of  Monte-Cristo,  take  part  in  a  weird  scene,  in  which  Merc6d4«» 
Albert  de  Morcerf  and  the  Countess  of  Monte-Cristo  also  participate.  Comp.et^ 
in  one  large  octavo  volume,  paper  cover,  price  One  Dollar,  or  $1.50  in  cloth, 

^g"  Petersons'  editions  of"  The  Monte-Cristo  Series  "  are  for  sale  6y  all  Booksellers, 
tHd  <it  all  News  Stands  everyivhere,  or  copies  of  any  one  or  all  of  them,  will  be  se.nt  tt 
fn>  >>H4,  post-paid,  on  remitting  the  price  of  the  ones  wanted  to  the  Publishers, 

T.  B,  FETEBSON  Jt  BBOTTIEItS,  PhUadelitMa,   <"» 


Some  accounts  of  their  ways  innocent,  crafty,  angelic,  impish,  wi  chiag 

and  repulsive.     Also,  a  partial  record  of  their  actions 

during  ten  days  of  their  existence. 

BY   JOHN    HABBERTON. 

With  an  Illustrated  Cover,  with  Portraits  of  Budge  and  Toddie. 


"Helenas  Babies''  is  famous.  It  contains  more  merriment  than  any  other  book  eX' 
iant,  and  at  the  saine  time  is  wonderfully  interesting.  A  masterpiece  in  every  sense 
of  the  word,  it  awakens  intense  admiration  while  it  produces  hearty  laughter.  As  a 
picture  of  child-life  it  is  nature  itself,  and  it  could  not  well  be  otherwise,  for  John  Hab~ 
berton,  tis  author,  made  his  own  children  sit  for  the  portraits  of  Budge  and  Toddie, 
the  refreshingly  droll  little  heroes.  The  tone  of  the  charming  volume  is  healthful  and 
vigorous,  -while  all  the  incidents  are  bright  and  telling.  Budge  and  Toddie,  "  the  best 
children  in  the  world,''  are  mischief  iiicamate.  They  are  consigned  to  the  care  of  their 
Uncle  Harry  while  their  parents  spend  a  fortnight  with  a  friend,  and  at  once  the  fun 
begins.  The  boys  demand  stories,  and,  when  their  uncle  favors  them  with  a  biblical 
narrative,  they  correct  him  and  tell  him  he  doesn't  know  anything  about  Jonah  and 
A'oah  and  the  Ark.  Toddie  is  fearfully  persistent,  and,  when  denied  anything,  has  a 
way  of  bursting  into  such  a  storm  of  tears  that  his  wish  is  instantly  granted.  He  want\ 
"  to  shee  the  wheels  of  his  uncle's  watch  go  wound,"  and  has  a  terrible  craving  for  candy^ 
while  he  echoes  all  his  brother's  words,  and  is  always  getting  into  some  difficulty  or 
other.  Budge  is  inquisitive  and  perplexing.  He  interprets  7  oddie's  picturesque  baby 
talk,  and  is  ever  ready  for  a  frolic.  The  children  cause  their  uncle  no  end  of  worri- 
ment.  Budge  has  a  goat  and  a  carriage  to  which  the  animal  is  harnessed 
In  this  vehicle  he  meets  with  frequent  mishaps.  The  boys  will  besmear  their  gat 
ments  with  mud,  and  their  adventurous  dispositions  occasionally  lead  them  into 
danger.  To  amuse  them  and  keep  them  in  order,  their  uncle  sings  them  camp-meeting 
hymns  and  impersonates  in  turn  bears,  lions,  zebras,  elephants,  dogs  and  cats.  Toddie 
has  a  favorite  song,  which  he  invariably  demands  when  he  gets  hurt,  and  which  exer 
rises  a  peculiarly  soothing  influence  upon  hifn.  But  though  veritable  imps,  the  boys  an 
charming  little' fellows,  and  it  is  utterly  impossible  not  to  love  them.  They  are  devour 
after  their  07un  peculiar  fashion,  and  insist  upon  saying  prayers,  some  of  which  are  in 
describably  comical.  Altogether,  ^^ Helen's  Babies"  is  one  of  the  most  captivating  sto- 
ries in  existence,  the  courtship  of  Uncle  Harry  and  Miss  May  ton  lending  it  variety  and 
rtmance.  No  one  can  fail  to  be  delighted  with  it,  whether  married  or  single,  old  or 
young,  and  all  who  read  it  zvill  certainly  enjoy  a  series  of  hearty  laughs.  Budge  ani 
Teddie  are  capital  creations  and  excellent  types  of  American  boyhood.  Thty  wit 
rwmain  in  the  memory  forever ,  for  '■'Helen's  Babies"  can  never  bt  forgotten. 


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"THREE  GUARDSMffl  SERIK," 

Petersons'  Complete  and  Unabridged  Editions, 


Jforemost  among  the  greatest  novels  of  any  age  stand  the  five  absorbing  romanmt 
ftrming  "The  Three  Guardsmen  iSeries,"  as  published  by  T.  B.  Peterson  &  Brothen, 
Thet/  are  entitled  respectively/  "The  Three  Guardsmen;  or,  The  Three  Mousqicctaires," 
"Tiventy  Years  After,"  the  Sequel  to  "The  Three  Guardsmen,"  "Bragelonne,  the  Son 
9J  Athos;  or,  Ten  Years  Later,"  "The  Iron  Mask;  or.  The  Feats  and  Adventures  of 
Raoul  de  Bragelonne,"  and  "Louise  de  la  Valliere."  the  Sequel  to  "The  Iron  Mask," 
nnd  conclnsion  of  the  famous  "Three  Guardsmen  Series."  Written  bj/  the  world-r«' 
:urumed  novelist,  Alexander  Dumas,  the  best  and  most  powerful  writer  of  fiction  Franct 
\as  ever  produced,  toheyi  first  published  they  created  an  excitement  unparalleled  in 
aterary  annals,  and  their  vast  popularity  has  been  steadily  maintained  ever  since. 
This  cannot  be  wondered  at  when  the  books  are  read,  for  their  fascination,  strength 
^nd  interest  are  unexampled.  The  original  translations  from  the  French  of  theet 
ruperb  romances  were  made  by  that  celebrated  translator,  Thomas  Wi/liams,  Esq.,fo* 
T.  B.  Peterson  &  Brothers,  and  are  published  only  by  them.  They  are  altogether 
complete  and  unabridged,  faithfully  rejyroducing  every  line  that  Dumas  wrote  jutt  a* 
it  came  fratn  his  pen,  without  the  slightest  editing,  adaptation  or  modification.  Th^ 
are  historical  romances,  filled  to  overflowing  with  love,  stirring  adventures,  gallantry. 
Molaierly  daring  and  manliness,  vlots  and  counterplots,  dark  deeds,  politica!  machi- 
nations, virtue,  vice,  innocence  and  guilt.  D'Artagtian,  Athos,  Arumis  and  Porthoi 
ere  the  leading  personages,  and  hosts  of  others  fill  their  varied  and  important  roles. 
Much  light  is  throivn  upon  the  history  of  France  and  the  French  Court,  and,  that  wyS' 
lery  which  puzzled  the  world  for  nearly  two  centuries,  the  identity  of  the  Prisoner  in 
the  Iron  Mask,  is  completely  solved  in  a  manner  so  powerful,  interesting  and  ingeni- 
ous that  this  episode  alone  makes  this  series  invaluable. 

THE  THREE  GUARDSMEX,  or  THE  THREE  MOUSQUETAIRES. 

By  Alexander  Dumas.    Translated  by  Thomas  Williams,  Esq.     Paper  eover, 
75  ceiits;  morocco  cloth,  Library  style,  $1.75. 

TWENTY  YEARS  AFTER.  The  Sequel  to  "The  Three  Guardsmen."  Bf 
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rocco  cloth,  Library  style,  $1.75. 

•RAGEL.ONNE,  THE    SOX  OF  ATHOS,  or  TEN   YEARS  LATER 
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Series."    Paper  cover,  75  cents;  morocco  cloth,  Library  style,  $1.75. 

THE  IRON  MASK,  or  THE  FEATS  AND  ADVENTURES  Of 
RAOUli  DE  BRAGELONNE.  The  Sequel  to  "  Bragelonne,  the  Son  oi 
Athos."  By  Alexander  Dumas.  Translated  by  Thomas  Williams,  Eaqi 
Being  the  "  Fourth  Book  "  of  "  The  Three  Guardsmen  Series,"  Pajjcr  cover, 
$1.00;  morocco  cloth,  Library  style,  $1.75. 

VOVISE  DE  LA  VALLIERE.  The  Sequel  to  and  end  of  "The  Iron  Mask." 
By  Alexander  Dumas.  Translated  by  Thomas  Williams,  Esq.  Being  ti»» 
"Fifth  Book"  and  end  of  "The  Three  Guardsmen  Series,"  Paper  coirff, 
$1.00;  morocco  cloth.  Library  style,  $1.75. 

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Mri.  Frances  Hodgson  Burnett  is  one  of  the  most  charming  among  American  writers.  TVer«  kt 
«risp  and  breery  freshness  about  her  delightful  novelettes  that  is  rarely  found  in  contempomnewM  ft© 
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nett's  romances  and  shorter  stories  those  which  first  attracted  public  attention  to  her  wonderful  gifts 
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taining description;  lively,  cheerful  love  stories  in  which  the  shadow  cast  is  hifinitesiraally  small  com- 
pared with  the  stretch  of  sunlight ;  and  the  interest  is  always  maintained  at  full  head  without  apparent 
effort  and  without  resorting  to  the  conventional  and  hackneyed  devices  of  most  novelisis,  devices  that 
the  experienced  reader  sees  through  at  once.  No  more  sprightly  novel  than  "  Theo  "  could  be  desired, 
and  a  sweeter  or  more  beautiful  romance  than  "  Kathleen"  do«s  not  exist  in  print,  while  "  Pretty 
Polly  Pemberton"  possesses  besides  its  sprightliness  a  special  interest  peculiar  to  itself,  and  "  Miss 
Crespigny"  would  do  honor  to  the  pen  of  any  novelist,  no  matter  how  celebrated.  "Lindsay's 
Luck,"  "A  Quiet  Life,"  "  The  Tide  on  the  Moaning  Bar  "  and  "  Jarl's  Daughter  "  are  all  worthy 
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Everybody  should  read  these  exceptionally  bright,  clever  and  fascinating  novelettes,  for  they  occupy  a 
niche  by  themselves  in  the  world's  literature  and  are  decidedly  the  most  agreeable,  charming  and 
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KATHLEEN.     A  Charming  Love  Story.     By  Mrs.  Frances  Hodgson  Bumtit, 
author  of  "  Theo,"  "  Miss  Crespigny,"  "  Quiet  Life,"  "  Pretty  Polly  Pemberton." 

"  THEO."     A  Sprightly  Love  Story.     B_y  Afrs.  Frances  Hodgson  Burnett,  author 
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PRETTY  POLLY  PEMBERTON.     A  Charming  Love  Story.     By  Mrs. 
Frances  Hodgson  Burnett,  author  of  "  Theo,"  "  Kathleen,"  "A  Quiet  Life,"  etc. 

IfISS  CRESPIGNY.     A  Povs^erful   Love   Story.     By  Mrs.  Frances  Hedgs»n 
Burnett,  author  of  "  Theo,"  "  Kathleen,"  "  Pretty  Polly  Pemberton,"  etc. 

LINDSAY'S  LUCK.     A  Fascinating  Love  Story.     By  Mrs.  Frances  Hedgstm 
Burnett,  author  of  "  Theo,"  '•  Kathleen,"  "A  Quiet  Life,"  "  Miss  Crespigny." 

A  QUIET  LIFE;  and  THE  TIDE  ON  THE  MOANING  BAB. 

Tender  and  Pathetic  Stories.     By  Mrs.  Frances  Hodgson  Burnett. 

JARL'S  DAUGHTER;   and  OTHER  NOVELETTES.    By  Mrs. 

Frances  Hodgson  Burnett,  author  of  "  Theo,"  "  Kathleen,"  etc. 

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Henry  Griville's  superb  novels,  all  of  which  are  published  by  T.  B.  Petersen  &* 
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bervading  vein  of  humor  as  enjoyable  as  it  is  subtle.  Aladame  Gi-iville  lived  a  num- 
ber of  years  in  Russia,  and  her  Pussian  novels  are  vastly  admired.  77te  Messrs. 
Petersons'  translations  were  made  expressly  for  them  by  ivell-hiown  and  able  transl.i- 
'crs,  some  of  them  in  Paris  under  Aladame  Griville's  supennsion,  and  are  faithful 
I'ep^oduttions  of  the  originals,  retaining  all  the  distinguishing  traits  of  Aladame 
Griville's  peculiarly  agreeable  style,  a  style  unsurpassed  by  that  of  any  other  celebrated 
French  author.      I'hey  shoitld  be  read  by  evetybody.     Fvllozving  are  their  names: 

DOSIA.     A  Russian  Story.       Crowned  by  the  French  Academy, 
SAVELI'S   EXPIATION.      {UExpiation  de  Saveli.) 
SONIA.     A  Story  of  Home  Life  in  Russia. 

LUCIE  RODEY;  or,  Tlie  Wife  and  Mother  Faithful  unto  De-atk, 
MAM'ZELLE  EUGENIE.     A  Russian  Love  Story. 
DOURNOF.     {La   Niania.)     A  Graphic  Story  of  Russian  Life. 
BONNS-MARIE.     A  Tale  of  Normandy  and  Paris. 
XENIE'S    INHERITANCE.     {UHeritage   de  Xenie.-) 

GABRIELLE;  or,  La  Maison  de  Maurese. 

TANIA'S   PERIL.     (.4  Travers  Champs.)     A  Russian  Story. 
THE  PRINCESS  ROUBINE.  A  FRIEND. 

Above  books  are  50  cents  each  in  paper  cover,  or  $1.00  in  cloHi. 

PRETTY  LITTLE  COUNTESS  ZINA.    (Les  Kou7niassine.) 
MARRYING    OFF   A    DAUGHTER.    QIarier  Sa  Fille.) 
SYLVIE'S  BETROTHED.     (Le  Fiance  de  Silvie.') 
PHILOMENS'S    MARRIAGES.  -  (Marriages  de  Pkilomlne.) 
GUY'S  MARRIAGE.     (Madame  de  Dreux.)     A  Woman's  Lift. 

Above  books  are  75  cents  each  in  paper  cover,  or  $1.25  in  cloth. 
'"ZITKA;"  or,  The  Trials  of  Ra'issa.     Flay  Dramatized  fi-om  iU 
THE   PRINCESS    OGHEROF.   .(La  Princesse  Ogherof) 

Above  books  are  75  cents  each  in  paper  cover,  or  $1.00  in  cloth. 
fiEAREOF.     (Le  Violin  Russe.)    One  large  volume,  cloth,  $1.50. 

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4H-^nce,  per  maU,  post-paid,  on  remitting  the  price  of  the  ones  wanted  to  the  Publishers, 

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AT 

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